Paint or no paint

[woodtrapper]

Here are two walking sticks I recently finished(mountain laurel).I have never painted one of my carvings so I thought I would give it a shot.

[tnartist05]

Both are pretty kool~ Davy! I like the new un painted one with the natural wood grains. Course the painted one looks good also~~Your carvings have such a strong look to them which is just right! Nice job my old friend,Forrest

[Thor]

I like them both and think you chose the best finish for each of the two. The woodgrain really is terrific in the unpainted one, and the painted one draws my attention to it first, because of the colors....
I think you've got a good sense about making those decisions for each piece.
Show us some more.
Thor

[jillsy]

Thor stole my answer!

[Joy]

I agree they both look great. I tend to like wood without paint if there is any "personality" in the grain.

[woodtrapper]

Thanks for your comments.If I could paint like (Forest tnartist05) I could bring life to some of my carvings.Everyone has their own knack at what his or her carvings should look like.It was strictly an experiment.I will probably always go with wood grain because I am use to it and I love the way the twist and turns wood takes in determining the character.

[chpster90bu]

I have to tell you, Woodtrapper, I looked at both of those sticks several times over the last couple days. First of all, they are carved wonderfully! I was startled when I saw the color on the 2nd one, and wasn't sure I liked it, but the more I went back to it, the more I DID like it.... and now I like it very much. It really grew on me. I don't think I've ever seen one painted before, and was startled by it, but the color is great. I like it! Bonnie

[tnartist05]

Well Thanks Davy! But most times I paint a carving because the wood isnt in the best of shape,the grains are not that pretty so I paint alot of my items.I do like to leave the natural wood with the nice grains showing if I can. Course too,I dont carve as deep as you and with painting I can creative depth. I hope later this summer I can carve alot deeper than just the relief I do most of the times. Thks again---Forrest

[chuckt]

I like both as well.

I am thinking that I'd like to eventually try woodburning for carved woodspirit sticks. I have seen some and I think it really compliments the carving very nicely by adding more depth to the realism without feeling as - hmm - gaudy as color might feel at times. NOT that your painted effort here feels gaudy. I guess I am just more partial to the natural wood and see woodburning as slightly more natural looking.

Does this make sense? Anyone here woodburn their sticks and woodspirits for even more detailed effect?

ChuckT

[Eddy-Smiles]

I like them both. Mixed media can really get interesting. I just finished carving a woodspirit in a walking cane and for the first time I mixed my carving with woodburning. The face itself is carved but I used my Coldwood for the eyes, hair and beard. The poplar is pretty white and its still too early for me to decide whether I like it or not. I need to apply some stain. But first I need a handle. Just not enough hours in a day!