Looking for input...

[Midnight Carver]

This is my first attempt at a relief carving, the scene is approx. 5.5 x 7.5 inches and .5 deep for the sky. I tried to show the sides so you can see how it was carved. I know it needs some cleaning up, but wanted to show it now before I finished it any further in case there was anything I could still do to improve it.
SO...Is there anything I can do to give it a feel of more depth/dimension or to just plain improve it? Thanks in advance

Eric

[Mottles]

Eric:
I'm impressed that this is your first attempt at relief carving. I think you have done a fine first relief carving. I'd say continue with your plan of cleaning it up. Enjoy your first effort and be proud of your work. Please show us it again after you are finished.
Thank you, for sharing looking forward to seeing more relief carvings coming from you.
Kathy

[paolo59]

It looks good Eric but, there is always room for improvments....
so, you could try to flatten the sky using a nearly flat gouge and a scraper; to add depth, you can undercut the human figure.
Try also to smooth a little bit all the surfaces; do not remove completely the gouge sign, but smooth them.

[Sharon of the Dell]

I don't know what to tell you, but I really like it!

[Steve Reed]

Looks good! I might think about adding a few other stars in the sky as well. I assume this is the Christmas star and it's good, just think a few sprinkled here and there might add a little to the look. Just my opinion.

[Midnight Carver]

Thanks for the advice!
Paolo - I tried what you mentioned, but was limited on tools for the sky so I smoothed it out some, but it still has tool marks. Undercutting the human helped the look.
Steve - that is a great idea but I had already painted it. I really enjoyed doing it and will use your suggestion in the future

Eric

[telecarver]

The figure is mostly flat with just the edges rounded slightly. Next time try rounding the whole figure more.

[paolo59]

Originally Posted by Midnight Carver

Thanks for the advice!
Paolo - I tried what you mentioned, but was limited on tools for the sky so I smoothed it out some, but it still has tool marks. Undercutting the human helped the look.
Steve - that is a great idea but I had already painted it. I really enjoyed doing it and will use your suggestion in the future

Eric

So, show us the finished piece..

[Midnight Carver]

Paolo - I started a new thread for it called "Couple of firsts" here in the relief/chip carving area. Let me know what you think so the next one can be a little better.
Telecarver - I'm not really sure how to round the figure more with it being so shallow. I'm open for suggestions

Eric

[telecarver]

Originally Posted by Midnight Carver

Paolo - I started a new thread for it called "Couple of firsts" here in the relief/chip carving area. Let me know what you think so the next one can be a little better.
Telecarver - I'm not really sure how to round the figure more with it being so shallow. I'm open for suggestions

Eric

Draw a full scale cross section of the figure. Starting with the high point draw a rounded cross section of the body and head. You might need to draw a separate one for the head. You can also work it out in plasticine modeling clay. You can use these for models. If it helps, you can measure the depth at any given point on your models and transfer that depth to your carving. I see that you have added some gouge cuts at the high point of the robe. Minimize removal of material at the high point. Folds in the robe can be achieved with very little depth. Think about how deep they would be in relationship to the size of the figure and make your texturing more subtle.

That said, everyone has their own style of carving. These suggestions only reflect my style. There are many ways to represent an image and you have done very well on your first project!