Bull Elk by Cedar Tree

GeorgiaCarver · #1 11-18-2005, 10:07 PM

I came up with this drawing tonight and decided it would work. I am going to relief carve this on the matrix of boards. I have done this several times in the past with a wonderful effect. Hopefully it will work out this time!

I need to come up with a title.... any thoughts?

Greg

rick-in-seattle · #2 11-18-2005, 11:45 PM

Greg,
Beautiful drawing, but one branch appears to be poking the bull in the bottom.
We both know he is bugleing, but with that branch there he just looks surprised.

Here is a picture of a Cougar you might enjoy.
I also edited your picture to show what I meant about the branch.

GeorgiaCarver · #3 11-19-2005, 06:57 AM

Thanks Rick, I see what you mean. I was just sitting here wondering how the bull got past that branch.... I like your suggestion.

The picture is awesome! I have never seen anything like that.

Mottles · #4 11-19-2005, 08:42 PM

Hey, the bull elk is going to make a terrific relief carving. Rick's take on the tree limb is a good one. Wow that image Rick is very dramatic to say the least. Were you a witness to the drama? WOW...
What'sThat I hope you will share your relief when it's finished or better yet a WIP would be great.
Kathy
Suggest for a title:
A Scent On The Wind
Wilderness Call
The Challenge
Winter's Call

Irish · #5 11-20-2005, 04:52 AM

Greg, Your drawing is so strong ... beautiful composition. I really like the dead tree branches complimenting the elk's rack.

I like Rick's suggestion of shortening the one fork of the back branch so that it doesn't interfer with the elk's rump. You might want to lengthen the forward fork of that same branch so that it overlaps the back leg. This would definitely place the elk behind that branch ... which he has to be because of the ground line.

You might want to check your rack. I don't know the reference photos that you are working from but usually the racks are mirror images of themselves. The fork pattern is the same of both and the number of points is the same. Plus I think your back rack is a little short. Again I don't have your reference photos so I don't know that exact bull's rack pattern!

Here are a couple of quick sites that have excellent elks you might want to look at for comparision.

http://www.nature-photos.org/elkgal.htm
Ken Maher's Photo Gallery

http://www.floa.org/flora_fauna.htm
Forest Lakes Owners Association - Flora and Fauna

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/v...a=458&q=162298
Pennsylvania Game Commission

I'll watch to see this one done!

Susan

squbrigg · #6 11-20-2005, 07:52 AM

Great drawing.....that in itself is a skill I wish I had mastered. Love the scene and look forward to the carving. As for a title.....I'm not very imaginative, but how about ........... "Calling". What kind of wood are you going to be carving it into?

Bob

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #7 11-20-2005, 08:30 AM

How about " Can you hear me now?" LOL

GeorgiaCarver · #8 11-20-2005, 08:38 AM

HI_HO_Silver I like that!

Thank you for the great suggestions.

Susan, I love your suggestions. what were you trying to indicate by the two arrows across the chest?

I did check the drawing, the back rack is little and only has four points. I will get creative and add a different back rack. I too think it takes away from the focus of the piece.

I will post a progress picture soon!

Again, I love this forum, great suggestions and I enjoy the encouragement!

Irish · #9 11-20-2005, 11:18 AM

[quote=Whatsthat] Susan, I love your suggestions. what were you trying to indicate by the two arrows across the chest?[quote]

The two forward arrows are across his face. They show the angle of the face. Think of the face as a box with the top plane of the box lid running along the nose line on one end and along the eye on the second. That box determines the angle or tilt of the face and that angle line runs through the entire head including the rack.

The low one is the top line and angle of the nose. The second, upper one, is the line and angle of the eyes. So if you draw a line from the center brow ridge of the back eye to the center brow ridge of the front eye you have the angle which his head is tilted. That tilt will be the same line and angle for where your antlers are. The back antler has to be longer to meet the tilt of the face. I would go up to the red X area to make the back antler long enough to mirror the front one.

Susan

artolver · #10 11-20-2005, 02:01 PM

Greg, first, I think (Bull elk by cedar tree) is fine
Good drawing. How deep in relief is your plan?
The elk looks very good, a few little things, I would put his front foot (right of page) exposed stepping over the root of the cedar stump. I'd put the tree a bit behind him and put some living branches on the tree. I'd like to see you do one with pen and ink and paint one also.
I'd carve the elk first and fit the tree in where it looks best.
The rack is fine, very much so..Elk racks are rarely anywhere perfect.
Art