[Fred Zavadil]

This is a third in a series "Maestro" - this one is called "Cellist".

I almost always make a clay model for my carving - the clay allows me to experiment with posture and facial expression; it also gives me the opportunity to see how to efficiently laminate wood for the carving. The model usually has about 80% of details I want to carve.
For me, modelling is probably the most enjoyable part - just fun and trying what would look the best.

I could not resist and started working on the cello; carving will have to wait a little bit since I am really busy with a "real work" - well, the bills have to be paid.....but I will take and post pictures when I start carving it.

Maestro Violinist is almost finished - it just needs some touch-ups; I will post pictures as soon as everything is done.

[chuckt]

Fred - how big is this piece? I LOVE the detail in the instrument. Is it carved in one solid piece? With those f holes it actually looks hollowed out. Is it? The grain in the wood for the cello reminds me of a real instrument. Then the clay model of the cellist is wonderful too. You can really see how she is lost in the rapture of the piece she is playing.

Simply astounding work. Thanks for sharing the in progress photos.

ChuckT

[bygeorge]

Fred, really interesting project there. Can you give me a little sense of the size of this? Looks to be about 20"? Will this be the size of the finished carving? Are you using a wire armature for this?

Love the flowing lines as well as the beautiful folds in the clothing! I'll be looking forward to your work on this.

Chuck

[Coffeeman]

Fred,

Beautiful work!!!!

For those that have not been able to see Freds work in person, it is absolutely museum quality at its finest.

Looking forward to your future posts as the carving developes.

Thanks so much for sharing.

Bill

[susieq]

This is a spectacular piece of work Fred!!
I also would love to know how large it is and whether or not the cello is hollowed out or a solid piece. Just wonderful!
susieq

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

You are an outstanding carver! Not sure of which of my tools to throw out first!

[gene messer]

Hi Fred .. I feel another masterpiece coming on .. Wow .. what a piece that's going to be ..

Your work is absolutely masterful .. What I have seen on your website and what I see here is going to be a beautiful creation of art and wood ..

Please , Please , keep us posted on your progress .. If this one turns anywhere out like your last Maestro .. We are all in for a treat .. and so far it looks like it ..

Thanks so much for sharing this with us ..

Gene

[bbowers]

Wow- amazing work! Thanks for sharing and please show us more.

[doris]

oh fred, how wonderful of you to share progress pics. i love watching how others go to carve...and you do clay models, and say you love it. i really should become friend with clay, seeing your results. but to me it not works, so far. just drawing...yes, please, do show much more progress pics, eagerly looking forward to :-)

[Banjo]

Wow! Such excellence! Can't wait to see the finished piece!