Just posted up on picture trail site two new carvings for your review / comments:

Clown Blowing Balloons: took second place in open division Erie County Fair, Buffalo NY 8/2004, posted in the characters album.

Double Faced Spirit Candle Holder: Satin fiinish, wood spirit in cottonwood bark, carved it while camping in July last month. ed this piece in the woodspirits album.

www.picturetrail.com/carvers-r-us

Hope you enjoy an dthanks for viewing.....Coffeeman

[AlArchie]

Boy, you must have had some competition to only take 2nd place! That is an excellent piece both in composition and painting.

Al

[BasketballJones]

No way that could be a second place. That is as good as the first place winner 'Confederate Soldier'. How long did this one take and how did you paint it (airbrush?)? It's an excellent piece.

[mikeg]

Both pieces were great. I imagine that the candle holder looks neat if you've got candles in it and the lights off. I would think the candle light would make the faces seem alive.

Great job on both pieces!

mikeg

Very nice work. Thanks for sharing the pics.

Bill,
Nice to have you back. Wow that is an excellent piece and second? What took the first place? I agree it is a wonderful carving all the way around. Curious is it a pattern or your own composition? Just an excellent piece the carving really flows, nice to see your work again. One day I am going to make the trip and come and visit you I think we are only a few hours apart.
Colin

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Congratulations Bill! Always fun to win isn't it? Nice work!!

Thanks for all your positive comments, I really appreciate them.

I'm happy with second, first time up in open divison, I'm told that they had it considered for first, but took it down to second because I didn't have the balloon strings (wire) painted.

Its all part of the learning process, and I understand the logic.

Water based paints, I don't thin them with water, but use as my thining agent, water based stain. Then I antiqued the whole carving, then a satin spray.

I actually painted this carving while camping the first of August and took it directly to the show from the campsite.

Again, thanks everyone.....and I'm going to paint the balloons string, but i wanted it to just oxidize, so matybe I'll leave it alone. Coffeeman

[Callynne]

Coffeeman, those carvings are terrific!! I wouldn't change the strings, you are the artist and that's how you wanted them to be!
When I carved my first Santa he was holding a list of 'naughty and nice children'. I thought the list should be of heavy paper, scrolled. Everyone was telling me it should be wood except for one lady, she said simply 'how do you see it'? Well, how I 'saw' it was out of heavy scrolled paper and that's just how I did it.
Always remember, judges, even though they are supposed to be impartial, can't help but be influenced by their own likes and dislikes. I don't think you should ever change your work to fit someone elses perceptions of right or correct....unless, of course, they are paying you very well to do it! Again, great work, I love them both just how they are! Callynne

[Kenny_S]

Great work Coffeeman. I agreee with the learning process. Congrats on the placings. It should have been a first.