Carging animals

BobD · #1 08-26-2005, 10:49 AM

OK, I've got an admission to make <grin>

I've never really been interested in carving realistic animals or birds. It just didn't interest me--I want to finish a carving quickly and move on to the next one, without worrying about finishing, painting, etc. But I recently changed my mind...

Most of you know that Razertip President Cam Merkle contributed a three-part article on carving a bald eagle. I worked on it just as hard as I did any other article, but the whole time, I thought to myself "I would never work this hard on a carving...this is work, not pleasure!"

As I write this, I can see Hugh, Lori, and the other animal carvers out there shaking your heads...

But I wish I had taken my trip to Busch Gardens before I worked on those articles!

Busch Gardens had a wildlife rescue section. They've got an aviary full of injured bald eagles that can't fly. While I feel bad for the eagles, I consol myself knowing that they wouldn't survive in the wild.

The point is, I got within 10 feet of a live eagle. I could see all the feather groups Cam was talking about. I could see the different parts that Lori describes in her book. I saw the variances in color that Hugh talks about in his Saw Whet write-up...It was amazing! The eagle looked just like Cam carved it!

Busch Gardens also has a Wolf rescue program. I got within 10 feet of the wolves as well...which was also very inspiring. Then when I got back yesterday, we photographed some new carving by Desiree Hajny...and her carving of wolves, bears, and cougars is awe-inspiring...so now I've been bit by the animal carving bug!!!

So...now I need to get started, but I'm also a little intimidated...where should I start?

Bob

Ashbys · #2 08-26-2005, 11:06 AM

Bob,

I would also suggest a trip to Hersey Park , and Zoo America. As well as the National Zoo. Both fairly close and excellent places to see the real thing. If I were doing one and carving an Animal, first decision , would be in the round or relief. In the round would give you a great piece to work on, but relief would give you a chance to work detail and layout that could be transfered into a second piece in the round.
If you want to do a wolf , WCI has a great pattern of the sluking wolf that was in your summer edition. Seems a good place to start.

Ash

BobD · #3 08-26-2005, 11:24 AM

Good point Ash,

I forgot about Zoo America (it's almost in my back yard--I live about 10 minutes from Hershey). I'll borrow the high res. digital camera from the office and get some very detailed photos!

I think you are right about relief--it will be a good practice...I can use my hand tools to get it to one point and detail with the power carver...actually, maybe I should do more with the power carver, since i'm not as comfortable with it... I think I will try the wolves first...I've got basswood, which will work to practice with, since Foredom also sent me their new bristle disks which are supposed to be awsome for de-fuzzing...

Thanks Ash. I don't dare show my wife your work, by the way. After she met Colin in February, she's been on my case about carving the trees in our backyard...but I haven't yet...

Bob

Hugh · #4 08-26-2005, 11:30 AM

Bob, if there is one thing that I could impress on a person beginning carving birds or animals. Carve smoothies, get the anatomy right, and then it is time to think of detailing.

BobD · #5 08-26-2005, 11:44 AM

Ok, Hugh, I'll do that! I can see how frustrating it would be to try to detail something that isn't anatomically correct!

Bob

Kenny_S · #6 08-26-2005, 12:45 PM

We have the Sutton aviary in Bartlesville Ok about 25 miles south of me and they raise Bald Eagles and rescue other injuried birds but mainly eagles. Nice to see the eagles flying around here in SEKansas and NE Oklahoma again.

I have tried carving bird, But that is mainly tried.

I admire those who do carve birds as their carvings look so real. But alas, tis not for me. Maybe one day when I become a carver or I should say,If I become carver.

Well, I am off to harvest a bunch of Bark and check out an auction at a going out of business sign shop. The paper said Basswood and other wood.

Ashbys · #7 08-26-2005, 03:58 PM

Thanks For the compliment Bob, but you know you haven't lived till you did it to a live tree.

And just think how nice a wolf head in the tree in your front yard would be !!!!

Simple combination , animal and tree there you would have a live animals that doesn't have a big upkeep cost

.

Ash

BobD · #8 08-27-2005, 10:33 AM

I don't actually have a front yard....but it would still look great in the back yard <grin>

Bob

Colin_Partridge · #9 08-27-2005, 03:05 PM

Ash,
I am sure after you read the post to Bob you realized that really didnt sound right LOL

Bob I have carved lots of animals and I have come to the realization that if you want to carve and animal or a bird you have to take your time. With my ADD I could never concentrate long enough to finish one. I do carve bears and wolves but they are the animated ones that it doesnt matter if they are anatomically correct. Funny though it doesnt matter how many bears I carve I sell everyone almost right away. Last year I carved fifteen bears for a show I was doing and sold them all the first day. There is something about bears that people all want one. Glad to see you are inspired my friend it is that inspiration that keeps all of us going. (Now if this shoulder would heal a little faster hmmmmm!)
Colin

Hugh · #10 08-29-2005, 02:15 AM

Colin, didn't know you carved bears, just went looking to see them, but no go. Looked over your gallery again, and I'm amazed by your work. Hope your feeling better and back at it soon.