This subject is something I have personal experience with.
I carved about 25 years without ever meeting another carver.

When I look back at my attempts prior to 1995, it is easy to see the value of instruction. Â*I took my first carving class that year and many more since. Â*Each instructor has their own style and information to share.

I have used many of those tips and others I didn't. Â*If you take lessons from a single carving instructor, expect your carvings to mimic that carver's style. Â*So choose your source of education wisely.

Lately, I have taken on a new student, and the progress has been nothing but amazing. Â*The first two carvings turned out very well, and the third is currently in work. Â* Â*The first was from a roughout, the second was carved from a block of wood without a pattern of any kind.

If my own experience had begun so well, there is no telling where my carving skills would be today.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I did the same with my painting...worked for many many years, and finally took a couple classes and 'viola'! I don't know that you could learn in a lifetime of the hunt and peck method , what you can from a few classes!

I'm in full agreement with Rick, for those just starting out, and others who want to learn, the value gained from another instructor in without question, money well spent.

I've been carving for two years, have taken three different instructional classes, have learned from each, it has propelled my carving ability and produced positive results.

In each class, I was the one with the least talent / experience, which was just fine for me, but what I noticed was, how many other 'well experienced & trained' carvers were also there, learning more & more.

If you can catch a local class, or one not to far of a drive away, you will enjoy it and make some great friends too.

Great subject Rick, hope we have inspired some to the importance. Bye the way, even Tiger Woods still has a golfing Coach. Coffeeman

[mdallensr]

Great topic and a great point. One of the really valuable aspects of lessons is the structure and discipline of learning and carving regularly. I'm guessing we all get stuck with some part of a carving, and some of those carvings never get finished or are finished badly. An instructor can get you over that obstacle quickly and let you go on to finish your carving properly. I also like carving with other carvers, sharing ideas and having some good laughs.

I think every instructor I've heard or read about tells students at all levels to carve, carve, carve. You can make the best of that carving effort with some help. Find a club, a teacher or a group of experienced carvers. They'll make a huge difference.

[Ric]

I agree Rick. All of my experience has come from self tought, books, and videos. I would love to spend a day or two in a good class tought by you. (hint..hint)
Ric

[Colin_Partridge]

You know Rick I never took a carving class until last year and my first class was with Jeff Phares and as I said after I took his class I didnt realize how little I knew. I am scheduled for two more seminars soon both completely different and I cant wait. I agree if you only copying some one else all of your carvings will soon look like theirs. I believe that you dont stop learning until the day you die and who knows maybe after. I started carving in my mid fifty's and I also would love to know how good I could have been if I had started earlier.
Colin

[jamesfa]

i have only been carving for a while,and the reason this board is great is because i can read the answers to others questions and post a few of my own.its like intructions.because i travel alot taking classes is difficult i either have just missed one,or one begins after i've left.
so until i can improve my timing this board is my instruction,or as i do often if i see some one carving I'll stop for a while and watch and pick their brain. as i did to colin when i saw him at a show

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

you have to be careful pickin' brains..some of us don't have much left to pick at and besides, if you keep pickin' at it, it won't get well! :P : 8)

[Colin_Partridge]

Dave,
Seeing that James was referring to my brain he was picking when he was looking over my shoulder are you insinuating that I do not have much of the grey stuff. LOL . If you were talking to my wife she would probably agree with you. James you didnt make me nervous looking over my shoulder I was just afraid you were a potential customer and I would make a mistake. .
Colin

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

No James...thats not it...he was worried about his fingers! At his advanced age he tends to be a bit shaky! LOL