getting that realistic look

[opakitas]

How do you get that real look for birds and animals.

thanks
Tammy

[Blackjaxe]

Thats a question that will draw a lot of response. Obtaining realism in a carving is something that carvers spend their entire lifetime trying to capture. You cannot just pick up a couple of chisels and a woodburner and expect to just get it on your first, second or even tenth attempt.....if you do then you have become the 10th wonder of the world. How many years did it take any of the master level carvers to get to the area of expertise where they could take a blue ribbon at the Ward Bros.Competition. And I'm not talking about some local village art show, where the judging level is not any better than the participants. The Ward show sets the standard for what is the best in the world.....mind you thats my opinion.

There are some expert level carvers who belong to this message board, I will not name them but hopefully they will respond to this thread and give you some input as to how many years they toiled to get to the level where their realistic carving where consistantly winning in major shows.

Ken

[opakitas]

Hi Ken,
oh I know it takes years. I show and raise Akitas and I didn't get my line over night either but the steps and things that one can learn and need to look at and know along the way. Like Mentors. If I had someone who could have given me some directions and tell me the good and bad points with my dogs it would have helped out a tons. I wish it was like a magic thing were I could know right off as I wouldn't mind being a wonder of the world that would be neat but then again I know I am not Hope to hear from them. I have seen some of their stuff if is some of the people that I have looked at their thumb nails to go to their sites. Just love their work. I am in awww when i see it.

thanks
Tammy

[opakitas]

Ken what advise can you give to get those birds to look more realistic. I know there is things with mine but just can't figure out how to get their to learn. I know the feathers. this time I learned from the first and know I have learned things from this one. Is it just trial an error.... makes such a long road. I wish someone taught classes where I live.

(love your work )


Tammy

[markken5889]

Hey Tammy,

a good way to get the feedback is to take your work to the shows, no matter what level, and get a good critique from the judges. Most will take the time to explain to you what they're looking for.

Good luck!!! Your work's looking great so far!

Mark

[LisaS]

I don't have the skills (yet) to follow the instructions, but here is an article about carving fur. It is for a bear who is wet but the techniques I think look pretty inventive for getting a look.

[Blackjaxe]

Hi Tammy, you already have a decent skill level. If I may make some critique on your Bluejay. The profiles looked good for your second attempt better than your Chickadee, which shows that your learning. Your finish on the breast needed more sanding, you could see flat planes from the chisel. Overall the colours where good, the cape colours however where wrong. They are a greyish purple with a hint of Ultramarine Blue and this colour is very soft and darker near the neck. On the tailfeathers and outer Flight feathers you could have used Brilliant Blue, which is close to Process Blue. The rest is very good Tammy, it takes time and a lot of research to get a bird correctly painted, be patient your doing remarkably well for only your second carving.

You should let the rest of us know where you live I'm sure there's someone close by who gives lessons or is willing to mentor you.

Ken

[opakitas]

Thanks Ken I really appricate it. I live in no mans land In Malone NY which is about 3 hours north of either Albany NY or Syracuse NY. We have nothing here so I get discouraged with alot of things not just in hobby things but also in my dog hobby too. I have a book on carving birds and they tell you what paints to get should I for sure get them and use them as a guide. I was in a pinch and to impatient and used what I had. After looking at photos of the blue jays I see i need to make his breast more soft grey. I would love to get into power carving as I wonder if it would be easier on some thing slike the shaping of the bird and the carving of feathers. What are your thoughts. I would love to have a mentor. I just find it so amazing to look at work like what you have done and to see things come to life. Do you airbrush your work or hand paint it? Just can' t wait to see the finished master peice! very excited.

Tammy

[Blackjaxe]

Hi Tammy,3 hrs. from a major centre....I can see your point. But I'm sure there will be people in your area who will respond to your needs.

Tom Park has offered you his booklet on making habitat, Mr.Parks work is astounding to see in person, he knows just about every trick when it comes to making habitat. Take advantage of what he is offering Tammy.

As for airbrushing, I feel there's a need for it in certain situations but I haven't had to use it yet. I work by layering my paint with thin washes and use the wet to water technique to do my blending. This layering of washes gives me infinite control of how much colour I want or need, I almost never use my paint full strength.

I use Liquitex Artists Acrylics exclusively, and I look for synthetic White Taklon brushes, mostly rounds and liners. White Taklon holds acrylic better than Sable brushes plus they are a lot cheaper...Cheap paint makes it difficult to get decent colour matches and they just do not have enough pigment in them to use when it comes to doing washes. I also use Atlelier Gessoe, its thick like soft magarine but you should thin it to the consistancy of cream for your carvings otherwise you will fill-in a lot of your detail...use a good stiff synthetic to apply your gesso.

Good Luck Tammy.

Ken

[songbirds]

Tammy, i have been carving birds for 15 years, have participated at shows across the us, yes ev en Wards World Championships. Taken lessons from Guge, Muelhmatt, Barth and Mueller. I currently teach at the NW carving academy. Going on my ninth year of doing articles for Wildfowl Carving Mag of patterns and how to paint birds. The best advise is to get good reference. I obtain reference from a local University, (study skins) can help a great deal. For any further info. contact me at Icarve@cet.com.
songbirds