9/11 memorial on cypress start to end

[jmiles]

Ok,
This was my 4th cypress knee project since I started in "carving" in August. I put carving in quotes because I don't think I have earned the right/or have the talent to be called a carver. I more or less outline, chip, carve, sand, curse, and repeat. Anyhow, here is the progression of my 9/11 memorial. I wanted the trade centers, Pentagon and state of Penn represented. The flag on the back "drapes" the emblems on the front (so to speak). My heart was i the right place, but skills did not do the justice. Please offer constructive criticism as I need to learn!

Oh, I could only upload 5 pics. I did sand out with a dremyl the chip areas.
Jim

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Like anything else, nothing comes overnight, keep at it!Happy

[jmiles]

Here is a new upload of paint added to the sanded front

[AlArchie]

Nice work, Jim. The blue in the background really makes the towers stand out. As far as constructive criticism goes, if you are pleased with the results, anybody else's input is simply opinion.

If I was to do this piece, I'd have done the towers very similar to what you have done. Then, I'd have flattened the front of the skyline and brought that level down to the pentagon and Penn state outline, leaving them proud, with the knee's wavy surface as you did. I like to play around with stains and washes, so I might have used a pthalo blue wash on the sky to let the grain show through and maybe even tried a couple different stains to accentuate the towers, skyline and the two lower elements. Of course that might have screwewd the whole thing up........who knows? These are not even meant as suggestions, just comments on how I may have done that a bit differently.

Good concept and fairly executed! I really like the flag drape over the back. Like they used to say on Hee Haw "SAAAALUTE!"

Al

[jmiles]

Good idea on bringing the knee down to the outlines at the bottom. I did'nt think of that! I already gave it away, or I would go and do that as it would be a simple procedure. THANKS!