New Spirit Face

[Blake Lunsford]

Good Afternoon! Here is my very first carving that I have completed. It seems to be a little rough around the edges because I couldn't get some of the areas completely sanded but I think it is a good start. I welcome any suggestions for improvement that you may have. I have also completed and painted a hillbilly playing the banjo that I will be posting on here in the near future. I hope to get to the carving seminar this Saturday and get some pointers from some other carvers. Currently I am still unable to find any carving clubs or fellow carvers in this area.

Please offer any constructive advice and criticism. I'm still wondering if I am on the right track!

vacaricature carver

[Heine]

If this is your first carving, then I quit. I've been trying to learn for almost two years now, and I have yet to product anything of your quality. Outstanding!!! You have some very genuine talent, and I encourage you to pursue it. Very nice carving.

Thanks,
Dan

[Colin-Partridge]

First carving? did you say first carving? I think you said first carving. On the right track are you kidding that is excellent it is a better face than I can do now and look how long I have been carving. Excellent in all accounts you have a talent I cant wait to see more. Keep up the good work and keep posting no critisism construtive or aotherwise, only accalades.Thumbs Up
Colin

[Blake Lunsford]

Thank you to you both! I appreciate your kind words but I belive that they are too nice. When I look at some of the other work that is posted on here, I feel as though I have a lot to learn! I do hope to continue to try and learn from others, but I do believe that I have a long way to go from where I am today. One place I need to start is to get some new tools from Rick at littleshavers. I'm hoping that my wife will take an interest and get them for me for christmas. I would like to get into caricature carving and santa carving, but I figured that I had better start with spirit faces first. God willing, I still have many years of carving ahead since I am now 32 yrs old. I will say that it is hard to find time to carve with a new 6 month old baby at home! Thanks again for your kind words of encouragement!


Collin, you are a true inspiration, and seeing how you do this as a profession, I take your comment as a huge compliment!

vacaricature carver

[squbrigg]

Well, if that's your first effort, then I can't wait to see your 20th!!! Damm, that's well done! Face is realistic, well proportioned, expressive, and a he** of a lot better than I could ever do. Please, keep up the good work, expand your talents and enjoy yourself. Welcome aboard BTW.

Bob

[AlArchie]

Hmmmm......the camera must've hid those "rough edges"! That is an excellent piece that an experienced carver could be proud of! For a first attempt, you should be bustin' your buttons!

Al

[Kenny_S]

Outstanding first piece, As for the rough edges, I have many that have rough edges and don't look that good.Yep, I would say you are well on your way to being a top notch carver.

[Ron Davidson]

Very Nice. If this your first then I better burn my first. You are definately on the right track. Thanks for sharing. Ron

[Blake Lunsford]

Thanks! This carving is about 16 inches tall, and I have also carved two others that are about 8 inches tall that look similiar. You all are all too kind!
I would eventually like to try and produce some work that others would like to have in their collection or be featured in the magazine. I think that would be the ultimate compliment.

vacaricature carver

Fantastic carving, really a nice well proportioned carving, nice hair lines, good flowing lines. Great job.

You ask for some help/guidence..... the whole face looks good, but take a look at your forehead, I wouldn't try to change this piece, because its a good carving, however, the forehead itself, from these two pictures, seem "flat & squared off", a slight curve to the forehead would be a better direction in future carvings over a flat plain area. Just my perspective, but a really nice carving, has a sincere "human" look to him, Great job!