Big Cats

[squbrigg]

I finished carving a couple of small relief carvings of a couple of big cats, a tiger and leopard, burned in some detail and am debating as to paint or not to paint. Any suggestions?

Bob

[Downeast]

Bob,

Love them just the way they are. I would have to stare at them for a few weeks before making that kind of decision. The bark borders tell me it not to paint. If you have some scrap from that plank, splash some paint on it, then decide. Hope this helps.

Wayne

[Burtoni]

These look real good. Seems like the burning would be enough!

[AlArchie]

Those look fine just as they are, but a bit of color may just bump them up a notch. Nothing overpowering, just a hint of color.

Al

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

They look great as is Bob!

Dave

[squbrigg]

Finally went for paint on the tiger, left the leopard as is. Turned out okay, but painting is not my strong suit.

Bob

[jimmy joe]

Painted or unpainted they are very nice . I personally like a little paint on a burning .

[Irishman]

Hey Bob,

Missed this earlier post. Very good reliefs of big cats. You're like me on the painting as I find it a challenging part of the finishing of a carving. One tip I learned from a carver on this site, when I do paint I use a diluted wash and layer the painting. The paint almost looks transparent when finished but really comes out when the oil is added.
Yours looks fine but something to try the next time. Try an Artic Wolf sometime- one of my favorite animals.
Patrick

[Grayhorn]

Wow Bob, very lifelike. I think as always of the callenges of relief carving and appreciate them that much more.

[TreeWizard]

Both are very nice. I think a light coat of watercolor would set them off well.