Carving a Red Tail Hawk

[Hugh]

Started on this Red Tail 3 weeks ago, it will take another three weeks to finish, if then. The hawk is ready to detail and burn. Using reference from photos forwarded to me by Richard Milholm, (carver) I made a pattern, The alert pose of the bird, one wing slightly dropped, ready to move, should show up better when its painted. The painting reference will be taken from the same photo. There is extra wood left around the bill to prevent it from being broken. Usually the bill is the last thing to get finished, carve it , and use a wood hardener to help protect the small hook on the end of the bill. Added three more photos, He is ready to paint.(finally)

[Smokey]

Wow--very excellant detail. Great job Hugh. Thanks for the peek.

[squbrigg]

WOW....now that is a carving! Smile Outstanding job Hugh, I love to watch the process, can't wait to see the burning effect next, then the final painting. I am so glag that BobD put this WIP section in. Well done Hugh, keep up the good work.

Bob

[Ron Davidson]

Hugh- Great job on the detail and proportions look to be very acurate I can't wait to see the finished project. Thanks for sharing. Ron

[Thor]

Excellent hawk. I can't imagine where you began with a project like that.
Even the rough cut out would have been interesting to see, and the progress beyond and into this stage.
Thanks for letting us see it. Great piece of art.
humbly,
Thor

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

some more pics when done Hugh, would like to see it frontal ready to take flight! (how big are the patterns?)

[Ron D]

nice hugh
i got to get down there to check it out in person
ron

[Colin-Partridge]

Hugh it looks like you are feeling better and I am so pleased to hear that. The carving is nothing short of magnificent. It is as good in progress as it will be in completion. I admire someone who can spend that long on a carving and achieve the results that you do. I am going to follow your lead and this winter when it gets too cold to carve outside I am going to try a detailed carving. Great, job and love to see the WIP thanks for sharing.
ColinThumbs Up

[Mottles]

Hi Hugh, just had to join the group your red tail hawk is progressing beautifully. We have a red tail hawk that sours above the canyon near our home. When the sun hits it's feathers the orangy red on the tail feathers is so viberant. I can't wait to see your red tail hawk when it's completed.
Kathy

[bygeorge]

Hugh, very nice! Can you please give us some more photos as you go through the burning process? I have only done a few detail song birds and ducks and understand the time that goes into the burning for the feathers.