Half way completed and another female WS

[Irishman]

I'm trying out some birch I received from another carver. It has an interesting light brown color in the grain. I'm about half way done. Need to set the eyes in deeper, carve in some bushy eye brows, shape out a beard and then start with the parting tool. Here's another female WP I just completed. Her cheek bones are set a little high...but hey, its my third female I've tried. I also added a small male WS I carved in white pine.
Patrick

[squbrigg]

Looking real good Irishman! Outstanding work.

Bob

[Lightningbolt]

I really like the birch spirit. River birch and some mountain birch is about all we have down here but I fondly recall the beautiful bark of the birch you're carving from my travels north. Greatttttt work!

You are also really getting a handle on the female face. My female faces always end up having a "hillbilly" look to them so you inspire me that hope is still alive!! :-)

[Blake Lunsford]

Great wood spirits Patrick! Once again you have seemed to capture all the realistic features. I'm a big fan!!! One question....what kind of tools do you use? I would love to try a large project like that but I'm afraid my hand tools wouldn't do the trick.


Great job!
Blake

[Irishman]

I'm humbled by your comments as I am only 5-6 months into carving so I must be doing something right. Blake, the brand of tools I use are called Pfeil. Our master carver has tried a number of tools over the years and he now sells these tool in his shop. Because I'm new, I can't give you any comparisons. I'm very pleased with the brand and they hold their edge very well.
Patrick

[squbrigg]

Accept the praise Patrick, it is genuinly offered. As for only having carved for six months......this tells us several things:
1) You have a natural talent that most of us would envy. Takes us years of practice on our own or even with lessons to even come close.
2) Keith is truly a Master Carver and instructor. Folks I have seen much of Keiths work and if you ever wanted a defination or clear example of "master" , he would be it.

Keith Matheson folks is the gentleman I speak of, he has a small carvers shop and coffee house in a little town called Pictou in Nova Scotia. He teaches and carves there, many of his carvings appear on the replica ship that was built there in Pictou called the Hector! You can visit his site at www.carvers.ca

Patrick, please give Keith my regards and compliments. You have done him and yourself proud! Keep up the good work.

Bob

[Thor]

Great faces! It's very interesting where you carved them in the wood. You have a unique look at things, and it certainly works to your advantage!
Thor