Loon

Gergie · #1 10-07-2006, 01:14 AM

Hi, I posted awhile back about doing a Loon from an old chip chats. Anyway I've got it ready to detail. I was hoping to do something a little different from my "normal" loons. it's coming along well but I can sure see my interpretation of a Loon coming through. I'll let you know how it comes out.

squbrigg · #2 10-07-2006, 07:27 AM

Looking good so far! We'll be interested in seeing what you come up with ...."a little different from my "normal" loons"...... !

Bob

santagibbs · #3 10-07-2006, 11:27 AM

Very nice, can't wait to see the finished product. I have loons in my studio... wall paper border loons,... cut outs .." the loons nest" etc.. Just wish I could carve one...lol Thanks for showing your carving..Charlotte

Gergie · #4 11-26-2006, 12:22 AM

Hello, Here's an update. I have been working on my new and improved loon. With the help of Shelagh Mercer and an old Chip Chats article. I've finished the next step. I burned all the feathers in this loon. This has been a long process but I think the results are worth the effort. Next step is Painting. And from my experience painting a loon ain't easy. I'll post the finished piece when done.

squbrigg · #5 11-26-2006, 08:53 AM

Looking really good. Burning is a big task on a bird, and it looks like you have captured the essentials. Painting is a critical step, and I'm looking forward to seeing your progress. Some great bird carvers/painters aboard, so I'm sure they will offer advice if asked.

Bob

Gergie · #6 11-26-2006, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squbrigg

Looking really good. Burning is a big task on a bird, and it looks like you have captured the essentials. Painting is a critical step, and I'm looking forward to seeing your progress. Some great bird carvers/painters aboard, so I'm sure they will offer advice if asked.

Bob

Thanks Bob, for the encouragement! I was just admiring your crow cane, good work there. Do you ever work with diamond willow? I was hunting yesterday and walked through a nice stand on it in a slough. I didn't even know that it grew here in SW Minnesota?

Anyway, I will take a shot at painting that bird. Being a Loon is mainly black ans white you'd think it would be easy to paint. I've painted several loons in my life and i seem to struggle with getting them right. ANY advice would be great. Thanks Rich,

squbrigg · #7 11-26-2006, 05:24 PM

I've never had the opportunity to work with Diamond Willow, I wouldn't know it if I tripped over it!

It's strange that you ask, I have been thinking about that very thing this week-end, while walking my dog. I see lots of trees, brush, etc, but I haven't come across anything that resembles Diamond Willow and was wondering if any grew around here. I hear so much about it and see some great sticks done in it, I'd love to give it a try, some day.

Bob

Ashbys · #8 11-27-2006, 05:09 AM

Looks really good to me.

Ash

Donna_T · #9 11-27-2006, 06:45 AM

Gergie,
I've got a cutout of a loon that I'm saving for "someday" and I'm wondering if you did any "soft" feathers on the breast area of your loon or any other areas? It's hard to tell from looking at the photos.

The analysis paralysis part of the carving is what has kept me from tackling it myself so far, but someday....

Your loon looks great. Is there a paint schedule for a loon that you're using? Will you use any kind of refractive paint on the head to give an iridescence to the black? What issue of CC was it in? Is it going to be a gift (I'll start watching my mailbox...(grin)...or is it going to be for your collection? What would you do differently next time?

Great effort--thanks for sharing.

Donna T

foundwood · #10 11-27-2006, 10:29 AM

Analysis Paralysis? I thought I was the only one sitting at a workbench staring at my work, until my wife felt compelled to ask; "are you trying to make cuts into that wood with a sharp stare?"

What type of woodburner are you using to make such intricate marks? Do you use a pattern for the feather lines? When you close your eyes, do you see feather tips?

Incredible detail.