Portrait Relief Carving

[jdukes1]

Hi Everyone,

I just posted a picture of my newest carving in the gallery. Just finished it today. It's a portrait relief from Ian Norbury's, "Carving a Portrait in Relief" cd. It turned out better than I thought it would when I started. I followed the cd all the way through, and it was far easier than I had thought it would be. Time to tackle some of my own pictures now.

Jerry

[DiamondWillow]

Jerry, that looks just absolutely great..... Man, you did a good job on that, that is for sure. Way to go.....

I am going to have to look into that CD, don't know if I can handle that or not. How thick was the wood that you used and what type?

Anyway looking GOOD

Gene

[jdukes1]

Hi Gene,

Thank you. It's made out of 1" basswood. I think Ian's was 5/8", but I just used what I had on hand. It's finished with danish oil and renaissance wax. The way the cd went through it step by step, it was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. I'm sure you would have no problem with it.

Jerry

[squbrigg]

Nice job on the relief Jerry and even better on the lady's torso. Difficult carvings both, with their share of challenges. Keep up the good work, we expect to see great things from you in the future. You have a real talent.

Bob

[Just Carving]

Jerry

Great work! I envy your ambition in taking on protrait carving. I have done some portrait drawing--albeit not the best but I was able to hold my own. So I imagine it can be tedious and difficult to get the facial proportions just right. At least on paper, I can erase mistakes, but you just can't erase 'em when carving!

One question: Did you do the detailing of the carving assisted by power tools such as burrs & jewel points, or did you do the whole piece with hand tools? I am assuming you did it with power tools because of how similar it is to the picture shown with Ian Norbury's CD.

I came across an article on Portrait Carving in Relief by Steve Schoolar. I have included a link in case you're interested.

http://carverscompanion.com/Ezine/Vo.../Schoolar.html

Anyway, again great work!

Thanks for sharing it with us.

Bob

[jdukes1]

Thank's very much Bob. Nope, no power tools except the bandsaw to cut it out. Where he used power tools, I used a 2mm gouge and sandpaper around a rounded dowel rod. I just started another one that may give me a fit because of the way her hair is. But that's ok, I have plenty of wood. I have been known to start over a couple of times before I got it the way I wanted it, on other carvings. Thank's for the link, it has some good info. I hope I'm that good at it some day.

Thank's
Jerry

[Callynne]

Jerry, your portrait is absolutely beautiful!! What a great job you did on it, you must be very, very proud of how it turned out, I know I would be!! Thanks so much for sharing, can't wait to see your next one! Callynne

[Just Carving]

Thanks Jerry. That's just what I wanted to hear. I have a preference for doing things the "hard way"--no power tools! So, I guess as soon as I get from under what projects I have at hand, I'll order the CD and try my hand at portrait carving. Good luck with your latest carving--be patient and I'm sure it'll work out.

Bob

[jdukes1]

Hi Callynne,

Thank you. I am very proud of the way it turned out. I of course had to take it into work today to show off. I seem to have developed a group of fans there who want me to show them what I am working on and how they turn out. One of the women and her husband have shown a good bit of interest in giving it a try themselves. I've been sending my old magazines home with her for them to read.

Jerry