Critique - Doug's caricature scene

Doug Ridley · #1 01-31-2007, 11:08 AM

In line with Lynn's suggestion here is a carving I did a coupla years ago on which I would like some opinions. I am the first to admit that I am not a very good caricature carver but I WOULD like to improve.. These were carved from Basswood and painted with oils. I am wide open to suggestions and criticisms. Don't worry about hurting my feelings as I have been told that I don't have any. Have at it guys and gals. I am yours. Oh yeah, there was no pattern involved, just dreamed up out of my head if that means anything. GO!

BobD · #2 01-31-2007, 11:58 AM

I don't feel qualified to offer any critique, but I did want to thank you, Doug, for putting yourself out there like this! I appreciate your thick-skinnedness (is that a word???). We all can benefit from this.

I also appreciate that you took time to explain what the post was in your subject! That's a great system!!!

Kudos!!!!

Bob

Mitchell · #3 01-31-2007, 12:00 PM

I added some comments to your thread title to make it a little clearer (that's my first suggestion

What size carving is this Doug? I like the idea - it shows originality. Also, what do YOU think could be improved upon?

I'll get back later with more (it's time for lunch!)

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #4 01-31-2007, 12:01 PM

theres another word for that Bob....."Guts" lol

gene messer · #5 01-31-2007, 12:13 PM

Doug .. your originally is good and your subject matter is great .. But being a some what fare caricature carver myself ... I learned to study caricature carving from books by Pete Lecuir , Harold Enlow and others in carving faces . Your on the right track .. Just practice is all you need .. your definately a good carver .. we can see that ...

Anthony Filetti · #6 01-31-2007, 12:17 PM

OK Doug I'll step up to the plate...I love the design and the story it tells. the layout of the carvings within the scene look good to me and I like the addition of the bucket he is sitting on. Good job.

As for room for improvement there are two things that immediately jump out at me. The first is proportion, while the body appears to be in proportion to each other the gentlemens hands appear to be somewhat elongated/large. While some caricatures promote that, the exageration is throughout the carving and in your case the carvings appear more realistic. For hands I would see if Vicki Bishop is selling her reference guide for hands, she has a one page sheet that she gives to all who attend one of their seminars which addresses all of the planes and proportions for hands.

The second area which I would focus on is facial structure/anatomy. I know oif two good books (both in my reference library) for the study of facial structure one by Kaisersatt and one by Stetson. But you really don't have to spend a dime as Mr's Gargac and Doughty have given us wonderful examples of facial structure and how to set it up. If you desire to practice til you learn then I would TRY and get a copy of Marv's book as you can crank out all kinds of faces having varying dimensions. Facial structure is all about setting up the face and then adding the detail.

I hope this bit of information helps.

Doug Ridley · #7 01-31-2007, 12:56 PM

Myself, I thought the faces were the worst part of the carving. I intentionally made the hands large but maybe I shouldn't have. Keep 'em comin'.

Lynn O. Doughty · #8 01-31-2007, 12:58 PM

Watch Out Doug!!!! Incoming!!!!

The old lady is perfect. That expression on her face makes the whole scene for me. I really like it. The fella? Well now he needs a little head modification. I really think you know how to improve him if you did it again. The neck is the main problem.

I can't really figure out just what the scene is about so no comment there. However, the base and the details are spot on. Looks like a jug with a corncob stuck in the spout. Neat! The colors are nice. But I would have left the floor natural and antiqued it after it was varnished.

Now, remember, these are just my opinions. It's your carving and it's a good one!

Mitchell · #9 01-31-2007, 01:18 PM

I'm back......

the proportions for the figures look good to me and the hand size (as stated) is a bit large - however, this is a common exaggeration point on caricatures along with the head size. The key is to keep the enlargements consistent. The hands should not be bigger than the head, but about 3/4 to = to the head size.

As for the face....it appears to be relatively flat. You need to work on making the face more two-sided (for lack of a better description). Look at Arnold's thread on his golfer to get an idea. Here's a link:

http://woodcarvingillustrated.com/fo...ad.php?t=11365

I do like the originality in your scene. That's always a plus when judging.

Kenny_S · #10 01-31-2007, 01:38 PM

I like it and not going to critique it. however, The mans hands, There are older gentlemen who do indeed have extra large hands so really, Is the hand way out of proportion?
Funny thing, when I first saw the picture of the two, I immediatly thought of an older gentleman here in town who use to be a farmer and he looks lust like your carved man. from the side I would have swore you pattern your carving from him and his hands are gigantic. The hat. I first thought it was golfer's hat which the gentleman I was talking about wears not but review, saw that it was a baseball cap which, remembering the gemtleman, He wore red ones and red and white ones.
ALl in all, I think it is a nice one. The neck would be probaly the thing to change or make shorter.
Lynn said it right, it is yours,but room for improvement. I would evern bet, Lynn would say. he has room for improvement also. We all do.
Thank you sir for sharing and asking.