Beginning a new sea scene in relief.

[squbrigg]

Hi folks,

I began a new project this week, to start the new year right, it's a sea scene to be relief carved in Butternut. I have had this beautiful piece of Butternut set aside for several years, it's about 20" x 16" x 2", and I know it must be laminated, but it is so well done, I can't tell exactly where. Anyway..... I drew out a scene for it and then transfeered it to the wood, and began roughing it out. I think I will keep track of my time on this one, just to see how long it takes me.

I have done plenty of similar scenes in small pieces of wood, 9" or 12" ovals, but I thought it time I did some serious relief carving. Wish me luck.

Bob

[aulddiy]

Hell Bob that makes me sea sick just looking at it. I've a piece of oak I want it split and I'd like to try something similar. Maybe an old steam trawler.
Be sure to keep us posted on how the carving developes.

[ElWoodTroll]

Way cool Bob! Can you include some low angle shots as you progress?

[Paul_Guraedy]

I'm looking forward to watching this one develop. I'm not sure about this tracking time. I did that once for a commissioned piece. Even kept track of the cost of the wood and supplies. In the end, I figured things up and had made $3.33 an hour! Maybe I should convert this into Canadian dollars, it would sound better.

[cannuckcarver]

Looks real nice, keep us posted as you go.
Thanks for sharring.
P.S.: I am the same about my time if I count it make me sick. I did one time and like Paul, well maybe worst around 2.10 an hrs.

[squbrigg]

Progress, slow but steady. I have begun with the stop cuts on the right hand schooner and shaping the sails. A long way to go yet.

Bob

[ElWoodTroll]

How is butternut to carve compared to other wood. Is it kind of tough to carve across grain like walnut?

[ejnelson]

Great looking carving! Looks a lot like the one I made for my dad!

[squbrigg]

Went over the sky area with gouges and flattened it out. Slow going, but making good progress. The Butternut is delicate to get fine, thin, things on, such as masts and yard ends. They like to break off if you aren't very careful. I love carving it though, for all it's difficulties. About on par with Basswood, but Walnut is definately similar,but stronger.

Bob

[ElWoodTroll]

Good shots of your work. It's a lot easier to see your progress with the different angles. I would have never guessed you were going that deep with the straight on shots. Thanks a bunch.