Beards

[Callynne]

I had a PM asking how I do my beards. I'm answering here in case it's information that can help anyone else. The Santa I'm working on right now already has his beard done and I have two 'non Santa' pieces to do before getting back to Santas, so I'm going to just describe what I do, later, when I'm working on Santas again I'll post some pictures if you'd like.

I use a 2mm U gouge Dockyard Micro tool to cut the beard in, either slight curves for a straighter beard or bigger curves for a curly one. Overlap them so it's looks more natural.....I'm working on that effect!! If you have the 2006 Summer Issue of Wood Carving Illustrated, the Fairy on the Quilt shows how I did her hair, same principle for a beard.

When doing a curly beard I will often use my knife and cut in deeper recesses where some of the 'V's' of overlapping curves are, this gives more depth to the beard.

After I have the curves in the wood, I woodburn in more curves to give even more definition and make the hair look a bit more 'life like'. I use a GR tip for that.

To paint, I do a grey first, dry brushing white over the top when the grey has dried. When that's all finished I will put a coat or two of satin finish varnish on the beard (and face) before antiquing, so they don't take the stain too heavily. I paint the antiquing on and immediately wipe it off. I always think it takes too much of the white away so I lightly dry brush a little more white over the top of the curves.

That's how I do my beards and hair on Santas.

I titled this Thread simply 'Beards' because I'm hoping others will share how they do theirs. I'm still trying to get better at beards and hair.....and faces....and getting clothes to drape....and life like poses....the learning never ends! Talking Deborah

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Okay Deborah......Let's see some photos!!

I will be the first to admit that I don't spend much time on beards, moustaches and hair, but I admire those who do. Your technique is great. One thing you mentioned in passing in your last sentence is one thing that I do spend a lot of extra time on and that's how clothing drapes on the figure. This is one area that most carvers need to really concentrate on as I think it really makes the figure come alive.

Great post....now go get the camera!

[jillsy]

Thanks Deborah! My Santas beards are always pretty plain, but lately I've been trying to add curls and this message really helped.

Lynn - I would also love to learn how to drape the clothes properly. The part that gets me is trying to carve something that's draping, but also overturned alittle showing some of the bottom or inside (like a cape blowing in the wind). It gets so confusing! I try to get as many visual aids as possible to help in this area.

Jillsy

[Irishman]

As Lynn said...I'd really appreciate seeing a few visuals of your description. They serve as a great reference. Thanks for your tips.
Patrick

[Callynne]

Thanks guys, I'll be sure to post some work in progress photos when I get back to Santas next month.

Lynn, I second Jillsy's interest in draping. I'm getting a little more into my pieces but there's tons of room for improvement, that's for sure! Deborah

[cotton]

I just bought and am reading a book that I think will help add life to my carvings -- Dynamic Wrinkles and Drapery: Solutions for Drawing the Clothed Figure by Burne Hogarth.

As the title indicates, it's directed toward drawing as opposed to carving, and it reads somewhat like a "school book." But it has proven a fairly easy read to this point, with some basic instruction in the physics of wrinkles and drapes and, if nothing else, includes a multitude of illustrations.

I think I paid about $17 from one of the online bookstores. It's giving me a new awareness of things to look for -- we'll see how it translates into my carvings in the weeks to come -- and is something people might not run across in their regular searches of carving books.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Ahhhhh......Burne Hogarth! When I was first learning to draw I followed his books and also subscribed to the Tarzan comics he drew. What an artist. That guy could really put some "punch" in the actions of movement.

[Coldwood]

Deborah, I just checked out the Father Christmas on your website, that beard looks great! Thanks for the tips, I'm just now experimenting with wood spirits, this stuff is good to know.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

We could use a little input from Nancy Goff here on beards! Nancy does outstanding beards on her santas!

[Eddy-Smiles]

Thanks for the thread and help. I second the idea for a little visualization, especially in reference to the "overlap". I'd love to be able to get a beard to come out looking like a beard instead of a piece of used steel wool. Somehow I'm not getting the overlap concept. If I go easy the beard looks un-natural and sparse. If I really dig in it comes out bristly. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.