[Mike-in-WV]

As someof you know I have been trying to find out what kind of wood this is without much success and due to the ice storm we have I can't get to the forest service to find out. Anyway it carves great and takes detail real well even in the green. I ask this spirit what kind of tree he lives in but he doesn't seem to know either or he's just not talking,Lol. It still needs a couple coats of oil but I really like the wood. Mike

[Kenny_S]

Hey Mike,

That is a good looking spirit! Your painting gives it added character even if it is a no talker. Sometimes the old wood just doesn't want to talk. I have one now that is that way and isn't helping me in defining what to carve.

I like what you have done to the "mystery wood" . Great job!
I will post the Viking when I have finish with the finish.The little bride just came home with some walnut ink and may use it to antigue the Viking.

[Mike-in-WV]

Thanks Kenny, I would like to see what that walnut ink looks like. I never knew anything like that existed. That's how it is when you live in the hill,Lol. Miker

[Colin_Partridge]

Mike,
Just a great job on the walking stick and may I say I love the painted effect. I have never painted one of mine but you have given me the inspiration to try one. Now I have seen yours I will probably try it this week. I always learn something from this board this time I learned two things, try a painted stick and just love the way you have done the teeth. Impressive looking stick, just send it to me it will look great in my collection
Colin

[Mike-in-WV]

Thanks Colin, Every now and then I get the urge to lightly paint and stain a spirit. Did a couple last year and people loved them. The art teacher from our local high scool bought one from me and said she really liked the way I used and blended the colors. Coming from someone who sells her paintings all over the world that was quite a compliment to me.The eyes are done with color pencil dipped in water or I sometimes just wet it with my lips. I just like the greens I can get from the pencil and when you finish it with Toung oil the green really stands out.

Before painting I use Parks Tung oil on the wood and let it sit over night.I like the cheap water colors you can buy at craft stores or Wal marts. I place a dab of what ever colors I think I'll use on a coffee can lid and ad a few drops of water to the edge of each dap. That way I can thin each color as much as I want and even blend them after they are applied with a damp or dry brush.
With a little work you can blend the edges just as if you used an air brush. Once it's dry I use several coats of tung oil applied lightly with a soft brush and let each coat dry over night without rubbing with a rag. Mike

Mike, Nice spirit. The one thing that I noticed and appreciate is the side view profile, here you can see the expression of looking over to the left, not just with his eye's, but one can the movement you placed inhis mouth. lips, mustach, etc. and when you look at the front view, we only catch the eye movement, Great job with that.

I need to try a spirit in a whole log, only have done them in bark.

[AlArchie]

I agree, your use of color, here, is exquisite! It really enhances an excellently done piece.

Al

[Mike-in-WV]

Thanks Coffeeman, Al, Colin and kenny and all of you on this site who have commented on my carvings and offered suggestions .Comments like that coming from carvers like you all will make my head swell,Lol. Thanks again, Mike

[squbrigg]

Beautiful work Mike, I love his expression. The contrast with the bark seems especially vivid in this one. Those eyes have so much expression, the side view in particular shows them off well. Good job.

Bob

[Clifford_Parker]

Very nice woodspirit Mike. Both the carving and the painting are excellent.