Please Critique: My First Relief Carving

[argoodoleboy]

I have just completed this fish relief carving and wow what a learning expierence. I have a local carving club here but can't go because all of their meetings are during the day in the week while i am working. So I am learning to carve on my own from a couple of books and this great forum. I know that I made several mistakes on this carving but feel for every mistake I learned a little. Even with that I have some questions: first I got a real good deal on the wood I used or I thought I did, it is supposed to be Basswood and it is worm eatin which I think gives it real character. What I did'nt factor in is that it has pithy spots and is very dry and splits easy. I have seen posts on here about using alcohol and something else to moisten wood didnt know if that might help the problems with the wood. The second problem is everybody's problem, sharpening or now what sharp enough is. So I have ordered some wood from Heinieke and I am wondering if partly I had not sharpened my tools enough or if the wood I was using was a factor. If I find out it was mainly due to sharpening (which is what I am figuring). I really want to know about sharpening, I feel like I have a pretty good handle on tools, metal and sharpening but advice would be nice, some gouges I can get really good, others not so much. I feel like i have had my fair time of useing power methods such as grinders for sharpening and shaping other things and am wondering if that would improve my success. Anyways please tell me what you see that I could improve I am really wanting to be awesome at this. (yes i know i am far from it)

[papasar]

Beautiful carving!
All the levels are there and the undercutting defines the fish very nicely. The background appears to have movement as if the fish is swimming upstream.
I'd say you nailed it.
Bill K.

[Thor]

Hi Colby, and welcome,
The relief carving is one to be treasured. I think you're well on your way to being the awesome carver you wish to be. Your depth looks good, the finish works really well with the wormy wood. I can also see how much time you took to put in all of those scales and details. Well done.
You will improve on your own with time, and that will be with practice. The control of your cuts will improve and being able to stay where you want to be with your tools. I don't know if you use a mallet or not, but sometimes that helps. Hand holding a tool can sometimes slip when a mallet tap is more controlled.
The sharpening takes time as well, and the best thing I can say is to just keep practicing stropping. If you have read about it here, then you already know that the leather strop and compound is how you do it. You can also practice holding your hand steady and at the correct angle while going slow enough to see if you change the angle. Holding steady is the key. I also see folks expect results from 4 or 5 passes on the strop when a tool is dull. It takes quite a few more than that usually.

Now, carve some more and let us see what's next. I have a feeling you'll improve rapidly.
Christina

[Colin-Partridge]

I agree with Christina using a mallet with relieve carving is so much better, no slipping. I think you did a wonderful job, one thing I and this is just me I would have probably gone a little deeper and undercut it a little more. Light and shadows are what make relief carvings. Now dont go changing it love it the way it is. I am only passing on what I have learned over the years. When you start carving on the other side of the wood you have gone too far.
Colin

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Wow, well done!

Dave

[kev.b]

colby i like it ! and remember those "mistakes" you made are just learning lessons. and as anyone who carves will tell you , you never stop learning. keep up the good work and look forward to seeing more of your work.
kev

[Cú Roí]

You've done a wonderful job Colby,especially around the face,well done.

[BeaverDon]

Very nice. I agree about the wormy wood. It really adds to the effect of this carving. I could get picky and give a few comments- since you asled...

It looks like, in front of the fish, you changed directions. I personally like to see the background carving all with the grain, unless some other effect is desired. Yes, you may have some sharpening problems, but just as likely you had some grain issues. Even on a flat piece like these, the grain could be swirling around on you. Check the side of the board for grain direction. My only other comment, again bing super critical, is make sure you give enough time and patience to the scales. that's a real important detail here and some of the areas above the gills don't seem to fit in with the others. Again, nice wrk. Makes me want to do some relief work.

[pallin]

Like the other comments, my first impression is "good work." BeaverDon's critique caused me to look closer. The pectoral fin (near the gill, front side) should not show a depression into the body of the fish. Treat the fin as highest level, with the body the next level down. The grooves in several fins are too coarse - perhaps your V-tool wasn't sharp enough.
The stain above the fish appears blotchy. This is a common problem with basswood. Perhaps you need to partially seal the wood before staining. I would probably stain only the background, or just the fish, to provide contrast.

[brent]

That's a nice relief of a fish.