New to site new carver

[goss]

Hi All:
Sorry if I am not in correct place but getting around here is all new to me.
I am a new carver, just starting. Have done a duck(just a duck) a sandpiper, which they tell me is square, not rounded as it should be, apparently the same problem for all beginners and took a short course and done a cedar wax wing and painted it.
Want to be able to do mostly birds or fish. Also interested in canes.
I'm in Nova Scotia Canada, semi retired but still can't seem to find the time to get at much carving.
Interested in getting my hands on any patterns of birds or fish.
Have looked around the site at different questions , answers etc and find them very interesting and helpful.
Look forward to learning more and more.
Tks for taking time to read
Ross (Goss)

[Iowa Carver]

Welcome Ross to WCI. I am not a bird carver but I sure do enjoy looking at some of the fine work the bird carvers around here do. I am sure those fellas will steer you in the right direction.

Corey

[Ron T]

Hi Ross, welcome. I'm a stick and cane carver, but I'm looking into doing some birds, maybe.

You can search the net for images of fish and birds and make your own patterns. If you don't have a phot program, Irfanview offers a free download.

[TedM]

Ross, not sure where you are in Nova Scotia but there is a great wildlife carving club called the Nova Scotia Wildlife Carvers and Artists Association located in Halifax with a chapter in Truro.

Meetings are weekly and there are courses taught throughout the year.

They are a great bunch of people.

I joined a couple of years ago though I have not been that active lately with my carving. Fingers are crossed that this is my year!

You can find out more at Nova Scotia Wildlife Carvers and Artists Association - HOME PAGE

[squbrigg]

Welcome aboard Doss. Nice to see another Maritimer aboard. Looking forward to seeing your work.

Bob

[torpidhummer]

Welcome to the the site of never ending information and the best information you ever want to know. Being a bird carver myself, I discovered that by reading any and all information about animal & bird carving on this site has not only helped me with my carving but encourage me to continue my endeavors on learning what works for those great bird carvers. Just ask about what you particularly want to know and these good folks will give you an answer of what works for them.

Oscar

[Donna_T]

Welcome Ross/Goss,
You're right...carving animals, birds, and fish -- even people for the first few times often has the mistake of the finished carving being too square. Just remember there is nothing in nature (even people) that's flat or square. Critters are supposed to be aerodynamically built to navigate air or water with the least "drag." The secret is to look at lots of reference photos of real fish or birds and make your carving in that shape.

Glad you're here and joining the growing number of Canadians who are regulars here.

Donna T