Pintail WIP

[Mottles]

Hi All:
Thought I'd share a relief I've been working on lately. It's size is 11" tall and 14" wide on basswood plaque.
It's my first waterfowl and my first non-square border. I've always wanted to try this type of border and a duck. I'm still working my way around the body and feathers. When I started this relief I was using hand tools, and have since moved on to my new Foredom power carver. Finding just the right burs to use can be a challenge--so I keep a basswood block to test the burs. Also I have Frank Russells Fur, Feathers, & Fins DVD and refer to it often.
As always I appreciate your thoughts and comments for improvement.
Thank you for looking,
Kathy

[MelNM]

Hi Kathy its looking good. Looks like you done a lot of work on it. Have you decided to paint it or leave it natural.
Mel

[squbrigg]

Good start Kathy. How are you finding the power carving on a relief carving? A bit tricky, isn't it? Good idea using a scrap stick for testing burrs, keep us posted on your progress.

Bob

[Kenny_S]

Looks great so far. But then, Didn't expect any difference from you. Like seeing you progress in your carvings.

[Mottles]

Thank you, Mel, Bob and Kenny I appreciate you stopping by.
Mel, I think this one I'm just going to put a nice stain on when it's finished and call it done.
Bob, I like using the power carver and yes it is a little tricky. I think as I work more with power I'll become better at it. My dust collector works well with plaques I can turn my work in any direction and still get good drawing power from it.
Kenny, your great for my ego! LOL What ego--tee hee Well, maybe just a little one. Yuck, Yuck
Thanks guys,
Kathy

[mark yundt]

I am curious as to why you chose the female as the most popular example is the distinctive male.Most all female ducks almost look alike in coloring,,differences being mainly in size for the most part ( yes,there are some variations) but the male pintail,, with it's almost elegant formal look,coloring and very long unique tail makes it very stylish looking.

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by mark yundt

I am curious as to why you chose the female as the most popular example is the distinctive male.Most all female ducks almost look alike in coloring,,differences being mainly in size for the most part ( yes,there are some variations) but the male pintail,, with it's almost elegant formal look,coloring and very long unique tail makes it very stylish looking.

Hi Mark, first of all let me say this 'I'm not a duck carver, nor do I plan to be.' It really didn't matter to me whether it was a female or a male Pintail. What mattered was to create a relief carving of a duck. It just so happened I had a good example of a Pintail drawing. Actually I didn't really know what the sex of this Pentail was and thank you, for letting me know.
At this point all I want to do is carve my Pintail as well as my ability will take me. I would like to relief carve other species of birds at some point, and this is just practice for the next one.
I thank you for your comments and I enjoyed looking at your beautiful work on your website.
Kathy

[mark yundt]

This has always been my favorite species,,I used to study these as well as all ducks ( and birds) for hours at a time,,I guess some of my old habits are still with me.The reliefs you plan for these are a great idea,I look forward to seeing your progress with them.As simple as a bird looks can be decieving,there are many challenges to them and you are doing well.Keep us posted.

[William]

Hi Kathy,
Good job on the Pintail, the female is basically different shades of the same color so it was a really good choice for stain.

I'm glad to hear the DC725 is working out good for you, do really like it? how noisy is it? I ordered one too but have not got it yet, I also ordered an extra filter for a DC720, (hope it fits) I didn't see one for the DC725.

Bill
^v^

[Mottles]

Hi Mark, and thank you. I hope you will follow my progress and please your critique will be helpful. As a painter and new carver I understand how important it is to know your subject in order to protray them properly. Any viewer who knows waterfowl and animals and wildlife will see the errors right away.
Thanks Again,
Kathy