Show and Tell

[Joy]

In January I did my first Green Man with Susan's tutorial. What a great thing she did for us beginners. I enjoyed that one so much that I did another and made a few changes in the eyes and mustache. And then I got brave and started my FIRST original piece.....I call her Holly Lady.

I think she is about finished, but I wanted your input before I put a finish on her. Some of you may remember me asking about gluing on a piece of wood for her nose. She has a high proud nose . I don't think I carved her eyes deep enough, but I had already undercut the upper lids before I decided that.

Please tell me how I can improve her. I am a beginner, but very willing to learn....so you won't hurt my feelings.
Joy

[Doug Ridley]

I'll say you are quite a beginner! I don't know how you could improve that very much as it looks like an excellent job to me. Maybe carve in some veins in the leaves? Not sure if that would be an improvement or too much. Somebody else needs to chime in here.
Doug

[spirit]

hi joy
im only a beginner as well so not much avice from me but it looks great a nice finish and hang it on the wall and call it done and quickly get started on the next one while its still fresh in your mind
l like to make the part between the eyes narrower it will give the nose more shape, well done

[Joy]

Oops! I lied! This isn't my first original piece. Remember when I introduced myself, I said I did interpretive wildlife....I'm such a beginner I don't know the correct jargon. I should have said I did stylized wildlife. This bird is my first attempt at originality. It was made from a 4x4 cedar post about a foot high.
Joy

[Joy]

Thanks, Doug and Spirit. I agree with you Spirit about the eyes. I was trying for big pixie eyes with a hugh iris. But I don't have a tool to do the pupils like I think they should be and none of the gouges I have worked for the outside of the iris....so I did them with a knife. And it is really hard to move those eyes over once you start.

[Irishman]

Those are two very nice carvings Joy. The holly wrap around to similate the hair really works. It's difficult to give feedback as you didn't indicate what you were going for or found difficult.
The large bird turned our really well for you. Great job with two very different style of carvings.
Patrick

[Joy]

Patrick, I was afraid the holly leaves looked like a football helmet instead of hair. Does the asymetrical look work? My original thought was some kind of "dangly" on the short side....what self-respecting lady doesn't have some "jewelry". But I couldn't decide if it should be leaves on a string so they move or something that looks more like a hoop earring.
Joy

[Eddy-Smiles]

Joy... Very nice work. In my opinion getting a carving to look female is not easy and yours looks very feminine. Mine always come out looking like they OD'd on testosterone! I wouldn't change a thing on yours. What kind of a finish do you plan for her?

[Joy]

LOL, Eddy, you should have seen her with the first set of eyebrows I gave her. She took on a distinct resemblance to a Viking Warrior. Thank you for the compliment.

As for finishing, I want to leave her pale. So I will probably just wax her. I would love to get just a hint of green in the leaves, but I wouldn't dare try to color her face. I wouldn't know where to begin.

[Irishman]

Yes stay with the asymetrical look. What I've been told is that when you try to make everything symetrical, anything that isn't quite right usually distracts the veiwer. If you decide to paint the leaves, I'd suggest a very watered down green and keep layering it until you get it the way you want...especially if your leaving the face unpainted. Only suggestions.
As for jewellry, go with the nose ring and eye brow piercing...just kidding. Jester

Patrick

Originally Posted by Joy

Patrick, I was afraid the holly leaves looked like a football helmet instead of hair. Does the asymetrical look work? My original thought was some kind of "dangly" on the short side....what self-respecting lady doesn't have some "jewelry". But I couldn't decide if it should be leaves on a string so they move or something that looks more like a hoop earring.
Joy