[DManning]

Attached, hopefully, are pictures of a carving I'm working on. She is made from butternut and dimensions are 6" long X 3 1/2" high X 2 1/2" wide.
The way the grain pattern flowed caused me to change from the original plan in a few areas (i.e. the right leg going forward instead of down like the other one). I like the way the grain pattern worked in all areas, changing direction at the joints and curving where it needed to.
The questions I would like responses from the board about are:
1. I know that some of the proportions are off. Should I try to fix them and risk losing the grain flow, or leave her "abstract"?
2. Would adding more "detail" (toes on the feet, attempt at a face, etc.) help her or would that be distracting to the appearance of the grain?
Please feel free to make any comments. All will be appreciated.
Dan

[kitaye]

I think I would leave it abstract. I agree that the grain lines really enhance the image and I would hate to see those go.

[Carver/Turner_FromNowhere]

I would say it is up to you, I might add a little more detail. It is fairly easy with butternut to carve it so the grain apears to run in the direction you want. Doing a good job btw, I'll be watching for finish pics when ya get them posted.
Carl

[fpace]

I like the abstract nature of it myself as well. The only suggestion I might have would (looking at the 3rd picture) be to relieve the hair at the forehead some just to give a hint of the separation there of hair from forehead. Nice work.. I like it.