2004 owl and 2005 owl

[Carvity_Carve]

In another post I had mentioned that I was going to recarve my “first official� carving (owl on the right), to see how I had improved in a year. Well, here's the result! Not perfect, but obviously better.

[AlArchie]

Yes, it's great to see the level of inprovement! Now maybe you can start that bandicoot!

Al

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Next year we will expect another LOL

[Colin-Partridge]

Great to see the progress, nice job, cant wait to see 2006.
Colin

[Cut_Fingers]

Hey CC:

That was a good idea & great improvement on your carving.

I have been carving almost 2 years. The one thing that I have realized is that the more wood you remove the more "character" can/will appear.

I think I'll try your idea and carve one of my earlier pieces. Just to see if there is any improvement. Hopefully there will be!

It was an old ship captain about 4 inches tall & the final outcome was very blocky: the arms & hands & legs & beard. I will admit that was made from an exacto kit and a carpet/utility knife(razor blade). I guess it should be better now that have the appropriate tools. (over $250 ago)

I know you are glad to see your improvement as I am of my own. That's the exciting part of being a newbie!

Good Luck!!!
Jim

[Hugh]

That is commendable work Carvity. Striving to improve is a good motivation, and you don't need to be a newbie to want to improve. If I might offer a suggestion for something that has helped me. Reference, reference, reference, not patterns, but photos and research of the subject you want to carve. At first I used patterns, and still use existing patterns to carve something new. I make a folder or file, for each bird I carve, of the reference I've gathered, each time adding to it when I do another. Often writing in the file the errors or things that I didn't like about the last carving. You seem like a very determined and talented young carver, keep up the good work.

[squbrigg]

Well done C.C........you are making steady progress. That is a splendid idea comparing the years, we shall be looking forward to a steady improvement in years to come.

Bob

[icarve2003]

Oh yeah, that's a huge improvment. That's a good idea too. I should go back and re-carve an old project.

I too am looking forward to the 2006 version.

Chris.

[Carvity_Carve]

Thank you all. I'm glad you like it and the idea! Actually I was thinking of making this an annual thing. Now I'll simply have to. Twenty years worth of owls would certainly be a fascinating sight.

Oh yes, I use the Google image search all the time, even have a collection that's nearing 2,500 animal pictures saved on my computer. Quite a handy reference.

It'd be fun to see your "recarvings" too!