Comments On The Mike Bloomquist Dvd's

[Dennis Taylor]

I received the 2 dvd set that Mike Bloomquist has out, carving a simple santa and carving a troll, and I would recommend both to any beginner, I really enjoyed both dvd's and although I haven't gotten a chance to try my hand at either carving, after this weekend I should have free time and eager to try out the troll....both are nicely done and easy to follow along with, I think the camera should of been closer to the work on the face area on both, but it doesn't detract from either dvd...once again no affilition(sp) but I did really enjoy and would recommend to anyone.....

I had posted on the forum if anyone had seen, and didn't get a lot of response, so just wanted to put this out there, if anyone is been thinking about buying but wasn't sure....BE SURE....great work to Mike and hope to see further dvd's in the future.....

Dennis

[tucker1931]

Well, Mike may not like what I'm going to post, but I have to be honest with my fellow carvers. I agree, the quality of both (I own both) is excellent and I will carve the santa in the next few days. The only problem I can comment on is "there is too much Mike" and not nearly as many close ups as needed. The reason I post this is in hope that Mike will see it and make the necessary changes in his next tutorial. There is no question Mike is a great instructor if he spends more time on close ups they would be excellent.
Cliff
My appologies to to you Mike.

[Mike_B-NY]

No need to apologize Cliff. I was honest about wanting to hear about the good and the bad points. If you don't hear the good points you don't know what to keep, and without the bad points you don't know what to change or just get rid of.

BTW, my doctor agrees with you... he says "there's too much Mike" too!

[tucker1931]

Mike, I consider you a gentleman and a friend (even tho we have never met) you have treated me very fairly and I appreciate that. I offered what I thought to be constructive criticism and I stand by that. I did however forget to mention the WHITE BOARD, what a wonderful way to make a point I really did like that. Thanks for taking my post with out showing anger.
Cliff

[BobT]

Other than Allen Goodmans Hiking Stick video, and all of Mark Gargacs stuff, I think Mikes is the only other one that the instructor actually talks TO YOU. I like his intro, I think he relaxes people, he seems like a real person. So many of the videos kind of ignore the personality aspect. I just watched Mikes vid again yesterday.
As Cliff mentioned, the whiteboard is a nice touch. The only thing I disliked about Mikes video, as already mentioned, is the lack of really good closeups. I am still wondering about the eyes. Mike, if you are out there, could you maybe post some good closeup stills of the eyes here, as sort of an addendum to the video.
And Mike, if you do any other videos, I am a customer for sure. My small criticism is just that, hoping you can fix that. I am ready to buy anything else you do.
Thanks,
BobT

ps; there is too much of me too Mike! You are not alone.

[tucker1931]

Hey Bob,nice post, I agree, I'd like to see them eyes as well, let's do it Mike, PLEASE
Cliff

[Mike_B-NY]

OK, a series of still shots sounds doable. This weekend I'll try to shoot some pictures for a series that will stand by itself (no DVD required) , clear it with the folks here at Woodcarving Illustrated, and maybe figure out the step-by-step area that I remember seeing somewhere around here. Piece o' cake Sarcastic.

Seriously, it's a good idea. Give me some time and I'll put up something, somewhere.

[tucker1931]

Way to go Mike, I'm sure there are many new carvers that will benefit from your tutorial on eyes. In advance I thank you.
Cliff

[BobT]

Mike, you are a Gem. I truly enjoyed the video, I like the Santas a lot. It is a neat style. Since watching Mr Refsals video and doing a few I can't seem to make anything round anymore. The Santa fits right in with what I have been enjoying.
I really appreciate your response and it would be great if you can post the photos. I am sure a lot of people would benefit from it.

Thank you very much, for everything.

BobT

[Mike_B-NY]

All,
Sorry for the delay in the picture tutorial, but I've had other commitments (both woodcarving related and not). Thanks to BobD, I have directions on where to place it and some folks to emulate. Just to whet your appetite, it's going to be titled "Smiling Eyes, Flat Plane Style". The article will stand by itself, but the Santa I use the technique on will show those who have my DVD how to change the "look" by just changing the shape of the blank (but only you will know that ). Stay tuned... haven't forgot ya.