Prairie Monarch

[Wolf Kiessling]

I had this ragged piece of mesquite laying around for about seven or eight years now and finally decided to do something with it. I think it was a piece of stump where the tree had broken off as it was very jagged. Anyhow, I started carving on it and decided a stylized buffalo (at least part of a buffalo) would suit it well. The mounting base is either persimmon or south Texas ebony, not sure which. It was an old fence post. In any case, this thing weights 10 lbs. It is finished with numerous coats of hand rubbed Tru-Oil (gunstock finish).

It is so glossy it is difficult to photograph. I almost didn't post it because it doesn't translate well into a picture but I figured, what the heck, someone may get a kick out of it...........

[BobD]

Wolf...they make a "dulling spray" that we use all the time for photographing carvings in the photo studio here. It's wax based, and we've found that if you spray it, shoot it, and wipe it off within an hour, it leaves no residue.

I think the stuff we have was made by Krylon.

Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[doris]

i like the stylization, really captured the essence. would love to touch the carving, feel the soft forms

[Wolf Kiessling]

Originally Posted by BobD

Wolf...they make a "dulling spray" that we use all the time for photographing carvings in the photo studio here. It's wax based, and we've found that if you spray it, shoot it, and wipe it off within an hour, it leaves no residue.

I think the stuff we have was made by Krylon.

Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

Wow, never hear of that. Where do you buy the stuff? Wal-Mart, who sells Krylon paint? Photo store? Does it say "dulling spray" on the can (where the paint color would normally be designated)?

Wolf

[BobD]

Here's the link to the Krylon site...I'm not sure where our art department gets it.

http://www.krylon.com/main/product_t...roduct_details

Bob

[Wolf Kiessling]

Originally Posted by BobD

Here's the link to the Krylon site...I'm not sure where our art department gets it.

http://www.krylon.com/main/product_t...roduct_details

Bob

Thanks, Bob. With that info, I know I can find some. Now that I think of it, if nobody locally carries it, I'll bet ACE hardware can order it. I've gotten some off the wall stuff from them before.

Wolf

[Wolf Kiessling]

Originally Posted by doris

i like the stylization, really captured the essence. would love to touch the carving, feel the soft forms

Doris, you seem to be a very tactile person. I empathize with you because I feel the same way. That is the reason I finished this piece in oil; I just like the feel of it. Many people who see the glossy finish that Tru-Oil gives think it is high gloss polyurethane but it just doesn't feel the same way.

Wolf

[doris]

yes, i am...get myself always in trouble in museum, when i touch statues, and the alarm goes on... sigh

[Mottles]

Wolf, this is very nice I love the rich color of the mesquite--glad you decided to do something with it. Really nice work!
Kathy

[Blinky Bill]

Wolf, I love that piece. But along with Doris and yourself, I also believe that seeing is not enough...a piece like that calls out to be stroked and its contours explored.........Thanks for sharing.
John Oakes in Australia