Snowy Owl, 3Ft tall

[bghebert]

Here's a Snowy Owl I started for a Customer out of Elm. I have to add more detail in the face hair and eyes, the rodent, along with some feathers, but I'm pretty close to finishing it, possibly 4 more hours. He wants it painted, something like the other one I did. I agree, as you can see the and as I said before, Elm doesn't have a very attractive grain. I be sure to post pictures of the painted piece.

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[tucker1931]

FANTASTIC work, if you dn't mind me asking, how long did it take to carve that beauty? I see yer in NS. I was in the navy many moons ago, lived on Gotegen St in Halifax, I hear its really changed a lot, love to come down once before I depart this earth.

[gene-messer]

Wow Bg .. that is one wonderful chainsaw piece .. the detail is excellent and the work is first rate ..

Absolutely beautiful work ..

Thanks for sharing ..

Gene

[chpster90bu]

Wow! Gorgeous bird, Bruce!! Did you do that whole piece with a chainsaw???? That is absolutely stunning. I can't wait to see if finished! Bonnie

[Joy]

Stunning! I love the way the base adds to the motion of the piece. Thanks for posting pictures.

[Irishman]

Another great piece of work Bruce. Very real looking. Once again, I wish I could pull myself away for a few hours and see your work in person. I'm getting a chainsaw sometime this fall so I can start roughing out my work and save the abuse on my gouges.
Patrick

[Coffeeman]

Bruce

Fantastic looking piece, really enjoy the overall size and the wing expansion sets the whole piece off, see alot of eagles done this way, but not to many owls, really a great job, looking forward to seeing the final pictures. Also enjoyed your web site, very nice carvings. Bill (originally from Canso, NS)

[bghebert]

Thanks everyone for the nice comments.
It took me about 2 hours to rough it out with a couple of different size chain saws, finishing with a carving bar one. I used a chain saw attachment on my grinder to put the feather patterns in and shape the owl, then a series of kutsall bits the blend everything in. I got about 5 hours on it so far, the detailing seem to take the longest, since this piece will be displayed inside I'll put in finer details. Usually my carvings are for the outside and wouldn't get as much detail.
Patrick, I agree that would speed things up, my hands wouldn't be able to withstand the abuse if all I used was gouges, I think you'll be happy with your choice. Drop in anytime, if I'm ever in your area I'd like to stop in to see you also.

Bill, the Owl is easier to fit the head in with such a short neck the wings can be full size of the tree.

Thanks again everyone

[mikeg]

Wow!!! Great job! Please post pictures when you've painted it too.

Is it one piece?

mikeg

[bird carver]

Bruce it looks fantastic the wing's really get your attention. What type of wood did you use? Also I'm sure you don't have any birds around your yard anymore with that carving. Bird carver