[Hugh P.]

Bird carving masters. There are a number of bird carvers that are classed as Masters, and rightly so. Two that I'm thinking of are Pat Godin, and Keith Mueller. I don't know of any Art form that pays as much attention to detail as a bird carver. First as a sculpture, the bird is shaped, muscle tone, and feather groups and attitude are detailed. Then the feathers themselves are carved , sounds simple, but the feathers must flow in the right direction, also must be in the right order in order to accomodate the intricate feather details. Shapes and sizes of feathers must be considered. Progression of feathers, shapes, soft and hard feathers. The bird carver must be aware of many small details in order to create a bird with life like charcteristics. The sculpture is three dimensional like human sculptures the carver must pay strict attention to bone structure of the head, feet and body. The painting of the bird is much more complicated than flat painting, it is 3 dimensional, and light and shadow effects must be properly used in certain areas to high lite the way the bird is featured. The base composition, carved from wood, some times constructed from wire and epoxy, must be intricate and compliment the carving, to the point of presenting the subject properly.
I'm in Awe of Fred Zavadil, and Mark Yundt, absolutely incredible sculptures, Robert Bateman, J F Lansdowne, two flat painting artists, incredible work. I guess the part that attracted me to bird carving is People like Pat Godin and Keith Mueller, they have the ability to create sculptures of birds and habitat, and the ability to paint as only a master could paint.
My skill level will never be any where near what these people achieve, but they are an inspiration.

I'm posting a link to Pat Godins Site: http://www.godinart.com/declifesizewildfowl.htm

And to Keith Muellers site: http://www.oldhickory-ct.com/Keith%20Mueller.html

[Ashbys]

Hugh,

I have yet to do a bird, but after being in the Baltimore show, and seeing the carvings, and more importantly learning about what makes a good bird carving, I have been studying about them. I hope others will post with their information. We have some excellent carvers that are so helpful, You, Goody, Falconer, Mark , Mitchell , Paul , Lori and so many others, can teach so much about this discipline. Sometimes I think the quality and the knowledge to do a bird is overlooked.

I was stunned , when a beautiful duck , was moved down in ranks because the muscle tone at the wings was to small. Another because the primary feathers and secondary feathers were placed at the wrong angle. One because the paint layers , did not reflect the correct color changes as it was turned in the sun.

The detail that is put into the birds is amazing. Lines pre inch on a feather to where there are 200 lines in an inch or more, and losing competitions because the count is less than 100. A bird that is oversized being placed lower because it should be half the size.

Bird carving is an art .
And I hope the other carvers will take the time to learn how much is involved in it. I know I will keep learning about it, because I am amazed at the level so many of you carve and the work you do.

Thanks for the Links , I will be studying them for a while.

Ash

[bird carver]

Hugh, very nice discription on what is involved with carving a bird. I know what keeps me going is the challenge of each art form involved in creating a realistic bird. You mentioned about Masters of bird carving here is a name maybe no one has heard of before, infact this guy is the one who got me started. Here is his website. Enjoy! Jim Robison | Home

[torpidhummer]

Birdcarver and Hugh,great articles on bird carving, I too am challenged by the
time and energy it takes to carve a realistic bird, I have a half dozen birds of prey that were almost in the compelted stage that I didn't like. I keep them above my carving area to remind me of my struggles and mistates. About five years ago,knowing absolutely nothing about bird carving, I was inspired by Floyd Schotz' carving and recently by Jeff, the Falconer their continued
ecouragement's to continue my quest in carving birds of prey. I have purchased every book on birds of prey,feather burning intructions by William Vessey,reseach material on the computer. So yes carving realistic birds of prey requires a termendous amount of research and study,just like any carving endveour we strive to do well. When I first started carving, the best advice I recieved from a carver in Oregon was, recearch,study,practice, practice and after you do more practice go back to research and study some more but enjoy yourself and make it a fun project. Thanks to all of you on this board that have helped me along on this happy trail.
Oscar

[squbrigg]

Nice to see you posting again Hugh, I was wondering where you had been! Thanks for the links to those two wonderful artists! Their work is simply amaizing. As you know, I am in awe of the work of you wonderful bird carvers and your message says it all, and much better than I could.

Folks, Hugh is being very modest about his own work. I am proud to say that a beautiful Merlin carved by Hugh graces our living room in a place of focus and it is one of the most valued items in our home. I still expect it to take flight every time my eyes come to rest on it!

Thank you again Hugh.

Bob

[jaguar1712]

One of my personal favorites: Grainger McKoy
Check out his gallery here:
The Sculpture of Grainger McKoy.
You simply cannot believe what this man can do.
According to my carving mentor(who also idolizes McKoy, and he's a three- time World Champion!), McKoy was thrown out of the first competitions he went to because the judges called it "model making" and not carving.
They just must've been jealous.
McKoy was the original one to pioneer the use of wires and metal to create "floating" sculptures.
Be sure to look at the reflection carvings- youll know what I mean-
Enjoy!

[Paul_Guraedy]

Now and then someone comes along and illustrates in a very dramatic fashion that woodcarving artistry is not limited to the mastering of carving tools and paint brushes. Obviously, Grainger McCoy is among the best in both of these categories. His "floating sculptures" add fantastic dimension to his carvings. But, to me, the most marvelous pieces in his gallery are "reflections". Relatively simple carvings; but, incredibly effective in initiating "WOW!" exclamations.

If you are a birdcarver, or interested in seeing some superb carving....follow this thread (see jaguar1712) to some enjoyable viewing.