An "ear" tip

[whittlewomen]

I have noticed in so many face carvings posted, a little difference in a "good " ear and one that looks like it was carved and pasted on. The difference is a real ear is on the same plane as the face. If you look at some face carvings, the hair is the topmost wood showing, then the ear under it or behind it....no gouge mark shows in front of the ear. If it is a bald head there is a smooth transition of form to the face...no "Vee" tool mark. I hope this helps with those brave carvers that put ears on their carvings! It does make a difference.
Sharon

[mark yundt]

A very simple trick for carving ears and having them look the same,,even though you can't see them both at the same time. ( well OK,,from front on view)
Is to carve one ear so it looks like what you want. The problem lies in constantly turning the head to see it,,then turning to carve the opposite ear. The easiest way is to use a mirror. Since you're carving the mirror image anyway,,prop a mirror up to see the ear you're copying,,and since it's a reverse of the one that's done,,you will see in the mirror the exact image you should be copying. Just copy what's in the mirror. All the folds ,creases and details will already show up,,so just copy it and save yourself a lot of grief.

[Nancy-G]

Thank you, Sharon! What helpful "tips" on the ear.

Now - please give some hints on the nose .

Mark, the mirror is a great idea too

[cannuckcarver]

Thanks, all of you have great input.
Thanks for sharring your knowledge.

[whittlewomen]

SmileMy opinion on the nsoe...If you look at someone from the side, notice how half or more of the nose seems to be back into the cheek. From the fulcrum of the lip the nose seems to be half in the face and half out. To achieve this in carving you must make a pretty deep triangular cut into the wood beside the nose (by the nostril) This pushes the nose back into the face, making it look like it is part of the face, not plastered on. Whew!! The "smile" lines that encompass the mouth are then as deep as this triangular cut.
Sharon