[Paul_Guraedy]

Well, I had to wait until I got home to post the WIP on this project. I thought the laptop had a photo editor and it did not.

I started out carving decoys and moved to birds of prey. Stayed there until I decided to learn something about painting. Signed up for a relief course under John Engler and found that I enjoyed this form of carving. Well, now I have found another carving genre.

I don't think my interest in carving animals is because Debbe Edwards is such a talented carver and excellent instructor. But, it did take her class to move me out of the rut I was in. Debbe teaches a number of seminars around the country and I would encourage anyone in the vicinity to sign up for one of these as they are easier to get into.

She is also teaching a couple of week-long sessions in her studio at her home in Miami, Oklahoma. Once you are in one of these classes you get first shot at next year. There is very little turnover and most folks are on a waiting list before getting a place.

Anyway here are a couple of WIP photos of this year's project of a black bear sow and cub. Will also post the finished piece.

[squbrigg]

Great job Paul! I am impressed. It is always nice to stretch your wings are venture into unknown carving areas, it makes you a better carver in the long run. And having the ability to take a class makes the venture that much easier. Your talent is obvious and I am glad to see you are challenging yourself and your ability constantly, in that way you shall continue to develope and improve. Well done sir!

Bob

[Smokey]

Great job there Paul, very impressive. I really like the texture of the fur.I also like the size, it looks to be about a foot wide and high.

Did those mosquitos help you keep moving?

[Paul_Guraedy]

I had not paid much attention to the photo and the bug repellent. Debbe's shop is adjacent to the barn and horse corrals. It was warm enough for us to open the doors and to carve on her "porch". My friend, Steve DiaGiacomo brought out these wipes to help with the flies. Although skeptical, we were willing to try them and they did seem to help........some. Flies are very adaptable!

Paul,

I'm a tested believer in taking classes and have really been interested in taking one of Debbies classes. Just waiting for one a little closer to NY.

Your piece is beautiful, can't wait to see it when finished, please post an update when done. I'm sure this piece will be a keeper for your mantle.

[Smokey]

Paul--the comment about the repellant was a feeble attempt at humor and was not intended to take anything away from what I consider to be a fine work. I simply enjoy the candid photo, and appreciate the "humanness" that is involved with that particular moment. The flies are a pain, but are now a part of that carving, as are the friends, present while you worked on it. A candid photo captures the moment. The good and less.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Paul I like the bears and the layout, going to be a great carving when finished!

[Irish]

Great work Paul! The chisel work in the un-burned stage is fantastic. Can't wait to see the next photos.

Susan

[Thor]

What a great bear and cub! I like very much being able to see it in the stages of work too. I too hope that you will show us the finished piece. The hair is just perfect, and the mama bear's shoulder is so well positioned for her bone structure. bear looks like trouble. Really good piece.
Thor

[Lightningbolt]

WIP pictures always amaze me and it's something like magic looking at the progress from roughout to texturing and so on... just like the one you posted here. This is a really nice piece of work and I like the way that you are returning to the already carved area and adding the final (I assume) texturing by means of burning. I believe that's how I'm gonna do my next walking stick bear and thanks for the idea!

Thanks for sharing your work and talent!