Magua, The Sly Fox - Completed

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Okay! Here he is all painted up and ready for the warpath! Really turned out nice, even if I do say so myself. But your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

One thing I have started to notice about my pieces of late is that, due to the amount of increasing detail being added to just about every new carving I do anymore, they seem to becoming more realistic. This doesn't worry me but it does make me wonder if they would still quality for the Caricature label. While a lot of caricature carvers clearly make "fun" of the figure they carve I've always tried to steer away from doing that. I think a scene can be made that's amusing but still show regard for those involved in it. So if you comment on this carving I'd like your opinions on whether you believe this piece is still in the caricature mold.

Lots more photos on the blog site.

[Myron Compton]

Wonderful job. And I agree that you show full respect to the characters that you carve. It really shows. Nice job Lynn....Myron

[chipper67]

Lynn,

Once again you've done an outstanding job. As far as maybe being a little too realistic it will just once again be up to whoever is judging. I understand what you are saying, but in my opinion I feel it is for sure a caricature carving. I would be curious to see you do a 100 percent realistic carving of the same subject and put them side to side though. There for sure would be a distinct difference in my opinion. I hope someday I can see some of your carvings in person. Have a good day!

Chipper67

[Mitchell]

Thanks for posting the pic Lynn. For those wanting to see more, he has many pictures of this on his blog (I took a peek already).

I think I read something somewhere that said that caricature is the art of making a cartoon recognizable to the viewer. It also does not have to be humorous. I'm paraphrasing, so I may be off a bit in my memory, and it was discussing "flat" art.

I agree, because you do have so much detail (and realistic detail at that), the line between caricature and realism is becoming difficult to define. Many times it is with other carvers as well. Heck, I've seen "realistic" carvings that were much closer to caricature (not proportionally correct) than realistic - especially compared to some of your work.

I believe ultimately, it will have to come down to what YOU think it is.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

It looks great Lynn, except....that is if you want an except lol. If I remember right the line where the red paint on top meets the face was not a ragged line like you have put on, I remember it as being very straight? I know you did that on purpose but think it should be straight....imho Well I looked up Wes Studi and came up with this, didn't remember but the face paint was on the bottom and it was a smooth line http://www.thestudigroup.com/images/lotm5.jpg Now I can't remember where I saw the red on top of the face lol.........

[DADDIO]

lynn what a great piece of carving and painting this is fantastic!!!!i know i haven't been in this carving game as long as alot of people,but to me it does have aspects of a realistic carving, but it's kind of hard to explain but as we used to say in the music biz...it has that feel of the caricature style, take that for what it's worth best i can explain it i guess,but i love that carving super job.

[AlArchie]

Lynn, I think that the line between reality and caricature is intentionally blurred, dependent a lot on both the artist and the observer's perceptions. I would definitely put this in the caricature category. There are subtle but clear traits that should place it there......the overly full lips, close placement of the eyes, extreme broadness of the nose, eyebrow shape and placement, and the exageratedly high cheek bones, in comparison with the overall head size. You have achieved a close proximity to a true portrait with those subtle accents that characterize a caricature......very impressive. And please excuse my blundering assessment...I have absolutely no background in either art ot cartooning, just my own sense of what seems reasonable!

Al

[Ashbys]

Lynn,
excellent piece. One of your finest.

I have to agree with Al, a caricature does not have to be comic to be one, it is highlighting traits. That can be anything from a simple enhancement of the nose to elongating the ears to draw attention to that area. Your carvings have that to a perfection, you do simple small enhancements to cause an effect that you have achieved in your carvings that really make them some of the finest.
I would still place this as a caricature as you intentionally enhanced some of the traits for a greater impression to the viewer of what you wanted them to see.

In my opinion
Garry

[gene-messer]

Another WOW Lynn .. Beautiful piece of work and the painting just finished off the beauty .. I would still vote for caricature ... What's so unique about your work is that it borders on both .. That's what makes it so special .. Please dont loose that style .. That's what give's it the different look from everyone elses... It's called originality... And the carving world needs that ..

[sludgeguy]

Phenomenal bust Lynn! (Uh…the last time I used that description I was in the back of a Chevy and many years ago…but never mind that).
.
The detail is once again stunning. This piece will definitely get the judges attention. Your use of color has a very strong eye appeal.

As far as your is it a caricature question. I feel it is. It has exaggerated proportional differences from a realistic piece.

I think that your work is in-fact evolving more towards reality, however your sense of design never will be a “realistic”, nor should it. Your carvings’ quality and quantity show that you are comfortable in this realm and very proficient with it. Unless you are becoming bored with this style why not continue where you have a solid track record.

And incase you question was merely a “am I posting my pictures in the right place”, heck yes. I always check this one first.

My 2 cents worth

Thanks for posting the finished photos and good luck, as if you’ll need it with your talent

Doug