Elf Ornament

[Steve Reed]

Ok folks, just finished this little guy yesterday and am looking for some feedback. I've always kind of wanted to do a natural finish, but the whole question of eyes comes up. Have tried carving a few and they came out like. . .well you know. Tried burning these in, figuring I can always paint them if need be. Looking for critiques.
Thanks
Steve

[Sharon Dell]

His eyes are fine, but I know what you mean! I have the most trouble carving eyes. Sometime I just have a natural finish and paint the eyes only.

[Bill V]

Steve '
His eyes look fine nice carving. Your not alone when it comes to eyes , i also have trouble with them.

[bubba~n~tenn]

I have absolutely no idea how to critique this because I thing it looks great. You all are fantastic at making wood come to life.
I may not be a carver but I am a painter and I completely understand your concern with the eyes. They do, after all, represent the soul and make an image "come to life." I think you've done a fine job with that. One thing I might suggest?? Try adding just a slight dab off white paint to the eyes for high lights. It's amazing what this little detail can do to add life. Maybe you've already done that and my ol' eyes just aren't seeing it.

Bubba

[mpounders]

You might try making the burnt portion bigger, unless you are wanting him to look shocked or surprised. You are seldom able to see all the way around the iris..... the top and bottom of the circle are usually covered by the upper and lower lids in most people. But not always! It depends on which way they are looking and their facial expression also. I always pencil mine in first to make sure I like how they look before carving or burning them.

[tnartist05]

Steve,looking at the picture here,he doesnt have anything in his eyes but a large pupil which makes his eyes look bug eyed or his eyes are poped out.

I'd paint this Elf or least his eyes and add the needed color around the larger pupils which will bring them down smaller. Plus add that tinney white dot which shows light in his eyes but also shows gentleness. This is a excellence Elf,the way you carved him. Plus if it was me again,while painting him,Im had a painted beard line around his cheeks,every picture you see of a Elf that beard hair line is there,it gives him a softer look,right now,hes got a more wood spirit look,kinda mean looking and you want Elf softer & sweet helping ole Santa.

I hope this isnt taken that Im downing this well carved Elf but you asked for ideas and theses are just mine my friend. I paint alot of my carvings,which hide some of my mistakes,theres no mistakes in your carving of this Elf!! I like him,boy wish I could carve one this good plus I'd paint him up singing deck the halls with color like leaves in the fall~ lol

A Tn friend's input,Forrest

PS,most Elfs & Santas have light blue eyes.Why? Guess it looks more softer or his mother was blue eyed!

[JimSawyer]

I've done about 10 different elves. I like burning the eyes, and Bubba's right, a touch of white, (toothpick size), works great.
I've also noticed that when the eyes are burnt and all, the rest of the eyes take on a sort of magical white color.
And definitly make the burning larger as Mike P. pointed out....

But aside from that...... Excellent carving...!!!

[Irishman]

The carving is fine as is Steve. If your looking for a different look you may want to try the ideas your hearing here. After reading Forrest's comment I went back and noted that the eye does appear to be out a little. Try setting it back some more by cutting around the inside of the eye and shave it back so it is deeper into the lids. As for the burning, I have one technique that some like but it is not for everyone. Take a look in my gallery and you can see. When I paint the eye, I put the little highlight of white in the corner of the iris. The painters here can give you tips on this. As I said Steve, the carving is your carving so go with what you feel is right. There are always other ways to do a carving. Good work.
Patrick

[kdispoto]

The face came out so lifelike. I especially like the nose and how the beard blends into the skin. Dang you got talent.

Ken
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[Mark N. Akers]

Steve:
Looks excellent to me, very nice.