Ok, so about that mouth

[Preacher2nc]

Hey everyone,

I could really use some help. I am sure that if I look long enough I would find the answer on the message board somewhere but patience with the internet has never been my strong point!

I think I am doing all right with the face in general. I am having trouble with the mouth. I have seen some really great work here on this site, and I am open for tips, ideas, etc. How do you get a good mouth? I am lost when it comes to the right cuts. Answer anyone?

Mark

[Claude]

As a starting point, here is a list of 21 books carving figures of humans (almost said "carving humans" but that's a different forum Smile)

Woodcarving-Human Figure

Claude

[Preacher2nc]

Claude,

Yeah, not really interested in "Human figures". I am looking for that caricature look. Unless I need to master the "real" then go for the exaggerated?

Mark

[Old_Gord]

Well Mark that's a little vague , I'm thinking you are interested in caricature mouth carving, so maybe what you want to do is check out some of the study sticks that are available , showing different carver's mouth styles.
WCI has a study stick available showing eye's nose and mouth that I know of done by Jan Oegema , other sources will have similar sticks by other carvers. You might also check out Pete LeClair's books he does a mean mouth filled with teeth, by mean I mean great looking.Smile
Cheers
OG

Originally Posted by Preacher2nc

Hey everyone,

I could really use some help. I am sure that if I look long enough I would find the answer on the message board somewhere but patience with the internet has never been my strong point!

I think I am doing all right with the face in general. I am having trouble with the mouth. I have seen some really great work here on this site, and I am open for tips, ideas, etc. How do you get a good mouth? I am lost when it comes to the right cuts. Answer anyone?

Mark

[Kenny_S]

Look in a mirror and then draw your mouth on a piece of paper. Thanfer that to a piece of scrap wood and practice,practice, practice.
The mouth goes with the eye expression so whatever way you have carved the eyes and brows, then the mouth follows. I e. smile, frown, etc.

[Claude]

Oops! Sorry, Mark - I misunderstood.

Claude

[Joy]

Kenny's suggestion of the mirrow is a great tip. If you're not so great an artist (like most of us) use your digital camera and take several pictures of your mouth in different poses.