[squbrigg]

Good questions Ash. When I do the background, I always leave some room for mistakes ...... I make all kinds, so I've learned.

When undercutting, I often have to take the background deeper, so that's expected. But I usually do the majority of the undercutting when I'm into detailing. I also leave room to "play it by ear", so if I do make mistakes, then I'll just change the pattern or scene to match, if I can.

Bob

[whitecree]

Play it by eye, I think you mean.

[aggies]

Thanks for all of the advice I will try a few of the suggestions and see what works the best for me.

[Ron Davidson]

Ash when I start I never cut right on the line I try and leave enough that when after I have all my depths close I go back and shave down to the line and fine tune. Believe me it's not easy when you are doing it by feel but you have to trust your judgement and take your time. I might try and post some pictures tomorrow of a trick I have to use if I can get my girlfriend to come over and take them.
Ron

[Irish]

Great thread folks!

Personnally I like to work down to the general levels first, then work from the background forward for the shaping and finally add the detailing. Most of my work is divided originally into three simple levels of background, middle ground and foreground. Those levels can be redivided as the work goes on to allow for layers within the levels.

I have always left at least 1/3 of the original thinckness of the wood uncarved behind the background level. So I will start the deepest level at about 1/2 the thickness. This leaves the background area and everything above it proud so there is fudging room.

Now, for me, that means that at the 1/2 of the thinkness for my background I have room to do extra carving and add depth that takes me down to the 1/3 original wood.

So, as Dylan, I work every area through three different stages ... everything gets to it's rough level ... everything gets it's basic shape ... everything gets it's detailing.

I learned this long ago because I realized I was starting a pile of unfinished carvings. I would go in and carve the focus element and then set that work aside and go off to another carving. A perfect example is that I have an undone relief of a Pronghorn standing beside a gnarled tree. The tree is done - it even has free standing branches. So is most of the Pronghorn. But having conquered those prime elements the carving got set aside because everything else was stuff I had done before ....

Susan

[Ron Davidson]

I think I work it the same way as you in a way Susan. Naturally I do some of it different but basically the same background first working my way out and detail last. I think it's a matter of what you are comfortable doing. But you are right this is a good thread.
Ron

[groozier]

Ron,
Trying not to hijack the thread. I must say I really appreciate your determination in life. Most people would have long given up. You are such an inspiration to myself and I'm sure others on this board. You make me ashamed of myself for my complaining.
groozier
Lance Brooks

[Ashbys]

Susan ,

I was sure how you did your work, when I first started carving I remember reading on your site , you cut out to the background. I really don't think there is any right way or wrong way to do this , I guess you could even start some where in the middle.

I remember when there was a discussion on one of the threads about Michelangelo and how he did his work. it was stated the Michelangelo never carved anything more than relief carvings . Then he would start by relieving one section and would keep relieving the work until he got a finished product . with that concept it would've been impossible for him to produce the works that he produced by cutting to the background first .

I really do not see the difference between carving in the round and carving in relief. Both styles of carving starts with a single block of wood, which is relieved until the item is finished. So the starting point of a carving is always the same. You start on the outside and work in. So everyone has to start at the top and work down .

hehe ]
Snicker


Ash

[Irish]

I so agree Ash! There is no right or wrong to relief carving ... it's not how you got there it's what you have when you are done.

I believe one of the hardest things for a new carver is sitting there with this beautiful clean, uncarved piece of wood. My first thoughts use to be what happens once I start. If I mess it up the wood is ruined!

It took a few carvings to get over that 'what if' feeling and to remember it's ONLY a piece of wood. It can be replaced but the lessons you learn even of an awful carving are your forever.

My first day in oil painting class in college the prof had us get out our beautiful clean white canvases and put them on the easel .. then he had us put some color on our palettes - a little blue, ochre and umber. Then He had us take a cloth dip it into some of each color and scrub that mess all over our white canvases .... AHHH!

When we were done he said, "There, the canvas is ruined so there's no reason to hesitate ruining it more." Wish there was such a simple solution for new carvers.

Susan