[Mitchell]

If I want to carve something "special", I try to make sure the hands are noticable - specifically because it shows that I tried to do a little extra.

I do carve "hands in pockets" - mostly for things that I plan on selling or on practice pieces (where I'm working on other areas, but still want a "finished" piece).

[mikeg]

Jim OH,

Nice face tips, thanks.

It was a good question about the hands in the pockets though I think one of the first books I had suggested that pose for the same reasons that have been posted here.

mikeg

[Canopener]

I guess it goes without saying that one hand in the pocket is also easier because you do not have to get two hands the same size. I have a problem with this as the hands seem to get smaller and smaller as I work. But the good news is that this will break up the carving and give it a bit of action if one hand is holding or doing something.
But be careful when omiting a body part as a shortcut.
I recently finished my first female caricature and thought I would be clever if I used her hair to cover her ears, a slick little shortcut. Well; there is no getting around the fact that the poor girl looks like she has no ears, cause she doesn't. I'll know better next time, Ha Ha.
Jim