A few of my latest carvings

[JBcarver]

I got in to doing realistic busts when I got Jeff Phares' book. I kinda got tired of hearing that's cute when I carve caricatures, I wanted to do something that would get a different reaction.
these are all carved from 4x4 basswood split from corner to corner leaving about 5.5 " wide and almost 3" depth with height varying.
Anything I can do to improve these let me know!

[Irishman]

Geesh I knew you had talent JB but these are amazing. You got a real nack for this type of carving. You have inspired me to go back and do another mask style carving...after I get another large woodspirit completed. Yes, Jeff Phares has some nice carvings. I only wish I lived closer to where he resides so I could get some first hand training.
Patrick

[gene-messer]

JB .. What can be said .. those fellows are fantastic .. you really captured the faces in nature ..

Excellent work Jb .. Surperb carving and painting ..

Gene

[chpster90bu]

Well, you sure were successful in ditching the caricature look, JB....those are simply wonderful, and you captured the realism VERY effectively. I can't decide which one I like the best, but I AM partial to indians. The facial work is terrific. Really nice job on all of them....Bonnie

[Jim OH]

Hey JB,
Those are really cute, LOL. All I can say is WOW, what great faces. You have done some outstanding work, very impressive!!!! The only thing I would do, if they were mine, to improve them is give'em big noses and big ears, and everything else just kinda takes care of itself. I am merely a caricature carver and only wish I had the talent to produce carvings like yours! Your expressions and finishing are impressive. Thanks a lot for sharing these!
Jim OH

[feb]

JB, the is only one Jeff Phares and a lot of people sing like Elvis, but to me you have broken away and your features and clothes and carving are original the texture and look are yours great job.

Feb

[Iowa Carver]

Wow, really nice work and craftsmanship!

Corey

[doris]

these are realy good..i like the last one best, maybe it is since he looks most free and creative to me, the first three have still the look like the one jeff phares carved, but you made the last one your own, from expression, bonestructure and design... congratulation, very good learning from that book. keep going !

ps you asked for improvement, if you strive for realistic heads, the noses are way too wide. but, many like carve noses that wide, so dont take that as a rule. just wanted mention it

[tnartist05]

Jonah, Man you sure didnt spare any details,your carving are just right plus the finishes really fit them,just all around great carvings!! Forrest

[Merle Rice]

HI Jonah, Excellant. Merle