[Mottles]

Hi Bob:
Thank you for the welcome and for the Cheryl Dow info--I just very recently bought my first Wood Carving Illustrated and that is how I found your web site. Sure glad I did! Plan to try my hand at pyrography on not just gourds but wood too. Wood has to smell better than burning gourd. 'Grin'
Kathy

[Paul_Guraedy]

Kathy, I note that you are in the Prescott area. There is an excellent woodcarver living there who also works in clay and bronze. He teaches at the Ozark Mountain Woodcarvers Seminar each spring and would be an excellent resource for you as you start into this new medium. His name is Marlen Downing and he works at a foundry around there. Should not be too hard to get in touch with him and you will enjoy talking to him.

I am especially interested in your experience using gouache. I have been using watercolor for a couple of years (still a rank amateur in painting). I found that white watercolor is not good on wood and I do not like the "slick" look of gesso. An artist friend suggested gouache. I liked the white and have started using gouache paints.. Have you used these on wood?

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by Paul_Guraedy

Kathy, I note that you are in the Prescott area. There is an excellent woodcarver living there who also works in clay and bronze. He teaches at the Ozark Mountain Woodcarvers Seminar each spring and would be an excellent resource for you as you start into this new medium. His name is Marlen Downing and he works at a foundry around there. Should not be too hard to get in touch with him and you will enjoy talking to him.

Hi Paul: Yes, actually Prescott Valley I'm not familar with Marlen Downing but certainly sounds like an excellent resourse. We have two foundrys I know of for sure possibly a --one is right here in PV and the other is just down the road in Dewey (cold cast foundry). I need to check my Mountain Artist Guild Directory he might be a member. Thank you for the info...

I am especially interested in your experience using gouache. I have been using watercolor for a couple of years (still a rank amateur in painting). I found that white watercolor is not good on wood and I do not like the "slick" look of gesso. An artist friend suggested gouache. I liked the white and have started using gouache paints.. Have you used these on wood?

Sorry, I haven't used gouache on wood but interestly enough I had planned to use gouache on my next gourd. A major difference between watercolor (transparent) and gouache (opaque) is as an example watercolor sinks into paper fiber or I would think even wood. Where as gouache stays on top of the paper much like acrylic does. Gouache has been used for centuries a lot of people think it's some kind of new medium. Gouache has been used in modern times by illustrators and has been thought of as the 'Illustrator's Medium.' It's finally starting to become thought of as a fine art medium.
I'll cut a piece of birch panel and experiment a little using my gouache paints and let you know what I come up with. A few years ago I did an article/demo for an Online Watercolor art group maybe it's still in their archives. I'll see if I can find it (link) and if not I can put it up on my website for those interested. Of course the demo is on as I recall 300 lbs cold press watercolor paper or illustration board not wood. I'll get back to you on my findings.
Kathy

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Kathy.....is there a carvers club in Prescott? A long drive from Kingman but if it was once a month, would be worth it...thanks Dave

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by Hi_Ho_Sliver

Kathy.....is there a carvers club in Prescott? A long drive from Kingman but if it was once a month, would be worth it...thanks Dave

Hi Dave:
I received a nice message from one of the WCI members 'Baldy' he mentioned there were some good carving groups in Arizona. He said he could give me the name of one in Prescott. At the time I didn't feel I was ready for carving but ask if I might contact him for that group info later.
Maybe you could send him a message--I'm so darn new at all this but do feel carving is on the agenda.
Kathy

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

ok thanks, would appreciate it...and yes, you will get the carving bug if you spend much time on here! LOL

[Mottles]

Ha, Ha, I think I've already caught it just need to get my ducks in a row. Wood carving seems to me would be more difficult than sculpting in clay. Less room for mistakes or changes with wood carving.
When I find out more about the Prescott group I'll let you know.
Kathy

[Chahlie]

Hi All,

Welcome to our little corner of the web, Kathy! I hope you enjoy the people and postings by all these wonderful people. I know you will find everyone here helpful and willing to help in any way they can. All you need to do is ask and someone here will either have done it or will know how to point you in the right direction to get you started!

Chahlie

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by Chahlie

Hi All,

Welcome to our little corner of the web, Kathy! I hope you enjoy the people and postings by all these wonderful people. I know you will find everyone here helpful and willing to help in any way they can. All you need to do is ask and someone here will either have done it or will know how to point you in the right direction to get you started!

Chahlie

Hi Chahlie:
Thank you for the warm welcome and all your words ring true. As a newbie to the art of woodburning I have received so much generous help.
Thank you everyone too!
Kathy