curly hair

[Lakeside]

The commissioned carving (in the round) I am working on is 10" high and the lady has a "perm" with tight curls. Amy suggestions on how to carve the tight curls on a piece this size?

[Donsexton]

Use a hunk of the same wood your carving is made from and carve tight S and C shapes. If you don’t like what you see grind it off and try another but the TIGHT “S” and “C” is the key.

[chpster90bu]

I agree with Don....did two carvings using the S and C....some light and some deeper...works great! Bonnie

[Lakeside]

Thanks Don and Bonnie

[BeaverDon]

I did this only my Leprechaun's hair. I used mostly "Cs" and kind of interlocked them. But don't make them all the exact same size or going the same way. Random placement. I use a Dockyard gouge to cut them - 2 mm, I think.

[Lakeside]

I tried the tight "Ss" and "Cs" as Don and Bonnie suggested. It worked very well. I then enhanced with some light wood burning in the same direction as the "Ss" and "Cs" and I am very pleased with the results.

Thanks for the help folks

David

[BeaverDon]

<< I then enhanced with some light wood burning in the same direction as the "Ss" and "Cs">>

Oh, good idea. I'll have to try that one.

[cgm]

Good question, with good answers. thanks, Carl

[Thor]

My influence for curly hair in carvings is from Tillman Riemenschneider:
NGA - Tilman Riemenschneider: Master Sculptor of the Late Middle Ages

I never tire from looking at his works. The style during his period was curly hair apparently, so there a lots of examples of both relief and 3-D work.

Christina