Female in Poplar

[Irishman]

This is one of two threads as I wanted to get your impression if I should have ljust oiled this 3.5 foot female in poplar...or painted her. The next thread are pics of her oiled, painted, sealed and waxed. I'd appreciate your feedback.
Patrick

[Irishman]

Here is the second of two threads.
Patrick

[achaundy]

Well Patrick ! All I can say is FANTASTIC. I keep waiting to hear her say something. Good Job!!! Skip

[Mottles]

Hi Patrick, your female in poplar has such a sensative and beautiful face. I think you did a really wonderful job of carving the facial features. You really captured the softeness and beauty of your vision.
The thing that really is overpowering to me is the color of the eyes. I think, and this is only my opinion the eye color would be much more attractive a darker blue or brown. After saying this it might be your camera distorting the color? It's kind of hard to see the true colors on your images.
Either way Patrick, it's a nice carving skillfully done.
Kathy

[tucker1931]

WOW Patrick, what a fantastic carving. She is absolutely beautiful, ya better not let Colin see that one or she's a gonner. (smile)
Cliff

[Irishman]

I tend to agree with you Kathy. I wasn't happy with the blue, however, I chose that color as the rest of her was a darker shade...sort of a contrast I was going for. I already sealed her with a lacquer and treated her with a satin wax. I have never gone back and repainted a character after treating it. I don't want to botch up the eyes but I would like to go with a brown color instead - any suggestions. Thanks for your observation Kathy.
Patrick

Originally Posted by Mottles

Hi Patrick, your female in poplar has such a sensative and beautiful face. I think you did a really wonderful job of carving the facial features. You really captured the softeness and beauty of your vision.
The thing that really is overpowering to me is the color of the eyes. I think, and this is only my opinion the eye color would be much more attractive a darker blue or brown. After saying this it might be your camera distorting the color? It's kind of hard to see the true colors on your images.
Either way Patrick, it's a nice carving skillfully done.
Kathy

[Mottles]

Patrick, I agree with you I wouldn't want you to botch up the eyes. The only paint that could be used to recolor the eyes would be artist oil paints. A burnt umber with a little sienna mixed in would make for a chestnut color. One think you could try is to take a piece of scrap poplar use the same process you used on the eyes and finishing. Then take the oil paint colors and go over it. In other words a test to make sure the oil will adhere to the original.
Another easier thought is leave this one alone, and next time try the brown eyes.
Kathy

[chpster90bu]

Patrick....that is a startling and gorgeous piece of work! My preference would be the oil, paint, wax, etc. that you did in the 2nd thread. I would tend to agree with Kathy that the eyes are just a little too stark.....but as I look at this, I can't help but love it anyway. It's hard for me to find any problem with your work at all, because I am always in awe of it.....but if I had to comment, I agree that the eyes could be toned down a tad. Beautiful work, however, including the finish! Bonnie

[Irishman]

I'll be going with the brown...I just needed some objective critiques. I do have some burnt umber in oil so I'll share the results when I get a chance to redo the eyes. This is why I enjoy being on the forum as it gives an unbiased review of carvings. This will be an experiment so if plans don't work out then I've learned a new lession. Thanks again everyone for your input.
Patrick

[Eddy-Smiles]

Both versions have thier own distinctive character. Unpainted she looks like a work of art. Painting brings her to life! Excellent work!