Hi gang,
Just finished a commission of a greenman for a customer who granted me full artistic licence. I had no idea of what a greenman was and really still dont. Looked at a few examples on the internet and this is my interpretation. To me it looks a lot like a woodspirit with leaves. Let me know what you think and if I am way off base let me know. I havent given it to the customer yet in fact she hasent seen it. She told me just to ship it to her when it was finished that she was sure it would be just fine. So please be honest I dont offend easy and I always welcome construtive critisisim. This is my first so called greeman.
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...&members=1
Colin

[AlArchie]

Colin, it looks like you are BEGINNING to bridge the gap between woodspirits and Greenmen. I have never carved a greenman either, so my comments come only from seeing them done. A true Greenman, like a true woodspirit, is it's own genre, and comes to life as a part of the surrounding and integrated leaves and foliage. Your's looks like a great woodspirit, surrounded by leaves.

Just as you incorporate hair and beards into the medium (tree or stump, or branch) a Greenman incorporates those same elements into a matrix of leaves, hair, beard, brows, and even facial features evoking the combination of the human face with the flora of the forest.

I think your client will be happy with your piece, but I don't really think it makes a statement as a Greenman.

Al

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Nice carving Colin! I have my version on my picturetrail site, under wood spirits...but I am no expert either! err isn't a greenman, sposed to be green ??? :

Nice work Colin but I do have to agree with Al on this one. It is more a 'greenman inspired' woodspirit than an 'authentic greenman' IMO. When I think of a greenman I picture these types of faces

http://goodjujuonline.com/greenman.jpg
http://www.endlessdesign.com/eso/car...s/Greenman.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/sabian30/Sc...e/Greenman.jpg

My sister has been asking for a greenman for years but I am not comfortable with making one yet. Congrats on expanding your horizons to try one.

Lots of Greenman info here:
http://www.chrispye-woodcarving.com/.../gm_index.html
I'd also like to try one someday.

Lots of Greenman info here:
http://www.chrispye-woodcarving.com/.../gm_index.html
I'd also like to try one someday.

[Callynne]

Nice carving Colin, I didn't really know what a Greenman was either till I looked at Dave's (nice one Dave!) and the other photos. I see what the others are saying though.
Are you going to do another? If so, I'd be sure to mark that one 1st Greenman so you can chart your progress. Looks like you may have a whole new field opening up to you! Callynne

Thanks for all the imput. I see what you mean, as I said mine looks a lot like a woodspirit with leaves. As far as being green I dont usually paint wood but it may be worth a try if I do one again. So will I do another one? Probably yes especially if the customer doesnt like this one. Thanks again for all the comments I will definatly take them all into consideration on my next greenman carving. I always like to try new things when I do some I do well at and others not so well so we shall see how it goes in greenman land.
Colin

[Kenny_S]

Start a new trend Colin, They can be yellowman, redman or whatever color of man you want. I like the woodspirit/greenman. Keep it up.
You gave me an idea

I was watching the PGA championship last week and even the Wistling Straits logo appears to be a greenman.
http://www.destinationkohler.com/ws/ws1.html
Maybe they were thinking of a different type of green.