My first two projects

[Hooked]

I am pretty new to carving and hope to get some pointers on how to make these projects better.

When I do something new, I have a hard time starting slow. I usually find myself doing something very difficult first. I posted these over on the wood board, but thought I would post them here also to get ya'll's feedback.

Here is my first relief project. Actually my first carving period. I have not finished it. I actually started it a couple years ago, then life got in the way. Probably had not carved in over a year when I dove back in with my second project (the deer).

By the way, this is my wife reading our first daughter a book! Designed it from a photo.


Here is number two. I started this a couple months ago. I posted it on the wood forum to get suggestions on what wood would be best to do more of these on. I actually carved this one from a laminated pine table top I bought at Lowes. I was anxious to get started and couldn't find anything else there to use. I am not quite done with this one either. I have been working on details on the antlers. If ya'll are interested I will post an updated pic later. Any observations or suggestions that will help me do a better job in the future? Also, still taking wood suggestions!


here is an updated pic. it is not positioned as well in the available light, but I have done alot of work on the right antler.

[sjbrian]

those are awesome1

[pamopfl]

Wow! I so glad you started carving again. These two examples look very good to me. I hope we get to see more from you.
Cheers

[Irishman]

You did say that your a beginner right I think you missed some steps that I went through when I first started. Those are truly amazing carving for someone just starting. You have the carving talent for sure.
Patrick

[Hooked]

Thanks for the kind words! I am sure an experienced carver ould find lots of mistakes if they were able to look at it instead of a poorly taken pic.

Any suggestions? I am getting close to done with the deer. I was thinking I would lightly stain it with more stain in some areas. Ideas are welcome! I thought about getting a woodburner, but don't want to mess it up since I have never burned before.

Chip

[squbrigg]

Chip.... you asked for ideas. I'd suggest burning in the hair first and the surface of the tynes and main antlers. After burning, paint it with acrylics. For an example of what I mean take a look at Mark Barger's beauty "November Warrior" in the Gallery under Amimals . Now that is superb work and something you can aspire to.

Practice, practice, practice.

Bob

[Hooked]

Can't see it to well in the pic, but I have carved in the hair.

Frankly, I don't want to paint it. Don't get me wrong. I have seen some beautiful work painted and maybe I will do that also some day. But I want the carving to do most of the painting, if ya know what I mean. Seems to me there are two kinds of carvings. Those with not much carved detail, but the detail is painted in, and those where all the detail you need is in the carving and no paint is needed. Kinda like your sail boat, Bob, you didnt need paint. It came to life through your beautiful carving. You added some color and detail with the woodburning. If I do any woodburning, then that's what I would like to do with it.

[Mottles]

Hello & welcome......What a beginner, your kidding right???? Oh my gosh your are really talented. Can't wait to see more, keep those updates coming.
Kathy

[squbrigg]

Good decision. Approach it like you would a flat woodburning scene. Layers of varying degrees of heat. Some great books available on burning (pyro) and they woill be a great help to you, if you are inexperienced at burning. Take your time and practice on a scrap first, to get use to it.

Bob

[Hooked]

Kathy,
Ya'll are to nice. Yes, I am a beginner. These are the first two things I have ever carved. The one with my wife and daughter was done with only hand tools. On the deer I have used both a foredom and hand tools.

Bob,
Thanks for the input! I will have to look for some books. Any suggestions?

Chip