Need help with a pattern

Nancy-ID · #1 03-26-2006, 06:16 PM

So far I have not learned how to make a pattern. For myself I just cut out the general shape and then take it from there using reference pictures. I need to make a pattern from a photo for a 3D carving of a Lemur for public use. I think I have the top view okay but I'm not sure what I should do for the side view since the head is turned to the right and down. Can anyone give me some hints on how to draw the pattern so that when cutting it out the head part is turned? Does any of this make sense?

Claude · #2 03-26-2006, 08:03 PM

This may be one of the best reasons for using clay to model the critter before carving. With the clay, you could shape it just the way you want in 3D, then make sketches (or take photos) from the front, both sides, back, and top. Personal example: I needed to see how the arm looked when holding a fly rod, so I held one and had my wife take photos from several angles. I used photo-editing software to get the images all the same size, changed the color to high-contrast black and white, and then printed them out. Cut along the edges of the image, glued the cutout to the wood, and then sawed it out.

A pattern is nothing more than a set of sketches made at right angles to each other - one of those things we had to do in engineering drafting class in college.

Claude

Arnold Smith · #3 03-26-2006, 08:16 PM

Nancy I cut the head and body out separate bore a hole in the body for the neck. turn it any way you wont it. works for me.

Arnold

Mark N. Akers · #4 03-26-2006, 08:39 PM

Nancy:
Wish I could help you,but all the patterns I draw are caricatures,you don't have to be concerned about the anatomy of a body being it human or animal.I appreciate people as your self that do realistics,and the time they put in doing research.

Lynn O. Doughty · #5 03-27-2006, 08:59 AM

I also would suggest doing the head separate. It's amazing how just a small, minute move of head can change the entire attitude of a piece. it also saves wood. Just remember.....when carving a turned head you start dealing with compound curves. You've got to really be aware of this when you layout and cut your blank.

One comment I totally disagree with is that anatomy is not important when carving caricatures. Anatomy is probably the most important starting point of any carving or any style of carving...human, animal, bird, even a chair's anatomy is important if you decide to carve one. The skeleton determins the location of the muscles. The muscles determine action of the figure. You can't put clothes or skin on something without knowing whats laying underneath.

Nancy-ID · #6 03-27-2006, 10:41 AM

Thanks all for the tips. I am going to go with the head seprate. I have never needed to do that for myself but I think that will be the easiest way to make the pattern and for others to do the carving.

Thanks

Claude · #7 03-27-2006, 09:53 PM

Nancy:
For what it's worth, the April 2006 issue of Smithsonian Magazine (available at most libraries), has as a cover photo, a leaping lemur; there's also an article inside with several additional photos.

Claude

Kenny_S · #8 03-28-2006, 04:19 AM

You are lucky Nancy, you only need help with a pattern!!!!
I NEED HELP!!!!!!!

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #9 03-28-2006, 08:13 AM

Now now, don't let it worry you Kenny.....you are beyond help! lol

Kenny_S · #10 03-28-2006, 10:05 AM

Ain't it the truth Dave.