Brown Trout

[Orygoner]

It's fish time again. These brown trout were actually started last July...pattern drawing and cutouts made. Then they sat on the shelf while I pursued other work that kept popping up.

Now it's back to the Brown's. I think I like fish carving more than birds (and I like birds a whole lot). I will do two pieces, each with a single fish and habitat. As I progress (which may not be fast) I will post some work-in-progress photos.

Here's a couple of pics from July.





And here's one that I took a little while ago. This is three days of intermittent work on one fish.



All the fins are inserts except for the adipose. I have affixed the caudal fin and carved it to the point it's ready for detailing. The other fins are also ready to detail, but I broke one of the pectorals tonight...got it too thin. So, I'll carve another tomorrow.

The head has all it's major features but needs much work on little details that will make it look like a real fish's head (hopefully). You might be able to see that I've got the tongue roughed in. I am not cutting the head open so will make like a dentist and do the details from the outside.

Hope you enjoy...

[medicinedog]

Wonderful post Randy, I will be sure to follow this one. Absolutely love your work. Questions when you have a minute.
I've seen the "pair" of fins together before. Is this to get them to be the exact size and shape?
Why is the tail a separate piece. I know there must be a reason. Seems like it would be easier to cut it out as part of the body.
Could you discuss the pros and cons of cutting open the head as to this method. I understand you have to glue it back on and the concern of the joint. I guess I would just like your opinion of the two methods.
How do you like that bandsaw. I've been working with an older 10" Craftsman and been eyeing the Grizzly models. Thank you very much for any response.

[twitcher]

cracking job...will be watching this all the way...mark.

[fly fisher]

Fantastic carving, im looking forward to seeing how he turns out. Thanks for showing us Randy.

[AlArchie]

Looks like a winner, Randy! Keep us posted on the orogress.

Al

[carvingbarn]

Nice work Randy. Makes me want to grab my Fly Rod. I will aslo be looking forward to seeing the finished work.

[Orygoner]

Originally Posted by medicinedog

Wonderful post Randy, I will be sure to follow this one. Absolutely love your work. Questions when you have a minute.
I've seen the "pair" of fins together before. Is this to get them to be the exact size and shape?
Why is the tail a separate piece. I know there must be a reason. Seems like it would be easier to cut it out as part of the body.
Could you discuss the pros and cons of cutting open the head as to this method. I understand you have to glue it back on and the concern of the joint. I guess I would just like your opinion of the two methods.
How do you like that bandsaw. I've been working with an older 10" Craftsman and been eyeing the Grizzly models. Thank you very much for any response.

I cut them out as one piece as an aid in carving. However, this time, I just went ahead and separated them. I was fitting the tabs into the slots as a first step and these fins are big enough to hold and carve. I think it does help to see the blocked fin on the fish before you draw in the fin profile that you will carve down to.

It is fairly easy to cut the tail as part of the blank and I've done it that way, particularly on interpretive, natural finish fish. One rationale for cutting the caudal separately is to use two pieces of wood with the grain aligned properly with the fin rays. It adds strength. Here again tho, I didn't mess with the two sections of tail. I think I've got enough strength. Another rational is that you can use a smaller piece of wood for the fish body and use up some scraps for the fins. It's easy to carve, insert fins too.

Honestly I have not cut open a head. I hope to compete one of these pieces later this year. If I were competing in the "master" levels I might cut it open to get a top flight job on the tongue, teeth, etc. But, I believe I can get it pretty close - close enough at my level.

And, lastly, I love the bandsaw. Have always had to use the one at the local Park District workshop. That was fine, except it took some travel and was not a very efficient use of time. I mulled over choices for a long time since I tend to get good stuff and take care of it for a long time. This one will cut 12", has a 2hp motor, 220v. It purres right along.

[Josef]

I love watching your processes Randy, although I do not and will possibly never, paint one of my carvings, but I really get a lot from your step by steps. It helps tremendously for a newbie like me, so thank-you.

[medicinedog]

Thanks Randy for answering my questions. Very helpful. Appreciate it. Lar

[Orygoner]

Made some progress today. Here's a pic.



This is just to give an idea of the fins in place - or close. The pelvic fin is not at the downward angle that it will be when finally in place. But, all the fins are done. This photo doesn't show it but all the head detail is nearly finished. Detailing the mouth is yet to be done. I plan to scale the fish tomorrow if time allows.