Man Of The High Country WIP

Mottles · #1 02-25-2007, 05:58 PM

Title: Man Of The High Country WIP
Medium: Arizona Cottonwood Limb (found)
Base will also be carved out from the limb so it's all one piece.
Size: 20 Inches Tall x 13 Inches Round

Hi All: I've been working on a mountain man got inspired by Mark Gargac's tutorial. Along with his article in this months Wood Carving Illustrated magazine. I'm also sign up for his Creede, CO. class in July I'm really looking forward to learning a lot and meeting Mark.
Carver in the round I'm not so decided to tackle it as a relief.
I'm also working on some drawings for the backside of the limb. Haven't decided just how to place the subjects I'd like to include. Might take a while! LOL
As always appreciate your suggestions and comments for improvement.
Kathy

Irishman · #2 02-25-2007, 07:44 PM

You've got the making of a nice looking man of the moutain there Kathy. Do you plan on reliefing him deeper into the wood or keeping closer to the surface? Thus far, you can see his features taking shape. I'd be curious how that old wood takes up the oil or what ever treatment you put on. Keep us posted on your progress.
Patrick

Mottles · #3 02-26-2007, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irishman

You've got the making of a nice looking man of the moutain there Kathy. Do you plan on reliefing him deeper into the wood or keeping closer to the surface? Thus far, you can see his features taking shape. I'd be curious how that old wood takes up the oil or what ever treatment you put on. Keep us posted on your progress.
Patrick

Hi Patrick

, I really appreciate you responding to my thread. I have admired your carving ability for some time. You have a style all your own and I can usually recognize facial expression as your carvings.
Yes, this cottonwood limb was destined for my friends fire place (I have a gas type fire place). It hasn't carved as well as other cottonwood limbs I have used. I had part the right (viewers) nose wing chip away. So did my best to fix it and as he's a rough mountain man and been in a few scuffles lost some of it. So may have to rename the work as 'Man of the High Country With Cut Nose' LOL
I do plan to carve deeper just working my way though it.
I like to use Danish Oil on the cottonwood brings out the rich color, then apply some varnish. As this piece is older or been on the ground longer than most cottonwood pieces I've found--the colors may be very interesting. It has a lot of worm tracks in the wood, which I like.
I'll add more images as I progress.
Thank you, for your interest.
Kathy

tnartist05 · #4 02-28-2007, 09:21 AM

Nice start on this mtn man carving Kathy!! I try carving him myself all the time! I still cant deep carve and get the noses out like I want too! Keep carving,you are doing good! TnArtist

Lightningbolt · #5 02-28-2007, 07:47 PM

Mottles, You mentioned that you're planning to "deepen" the carving more into the wood, and I'm sure that would be great.

On the other hand, after just a short glance of the picture you posted, it appears that it could already pass as "complete". What you've already carved looks so natural, as thought it's just part of the wood with the carved area having virtually no dominant contrasting of colors with the uncarved area of the wood. In addition, I love the "etching" appearance of this first picture.

Yeah, I like it very much "as is" but go ahead and take it to the next level if you must

Thanks for posting!

Tom H · #6 02-28-2007, 09:02 PM

Kathy, I agree with Mr. Lightningbolt. I like it just the way it is. The guy is kinda like a ghost, peeking out of the wood..Really well done...Tom H

Mottles · #7 03-01-2007, 11:52 AM

Hello, Thank you all for your thoughts on my carving. Here are the updated images of my progress. I have elected to stop carving the Mountain man and complete the bear on the back standing on a rock. After I complete the bear I will move back to the mountain man and see if any further detail work is needed.
The Arizona cottonwood is a real challenge, especially this limb. The eyes and nose were difficult for two reasons (1) I need more experience and practice in carving eyes and noses (2) when I crossed the gain with my tools it tended to chip or flake away. Which given my limited facial carving ability--This is not a boo-hoo excuse, but my observation regarding this wood and my novice ability. I really need to try this one in basswood hopefully I can do better. Although I love the cottonwood it’s a hard task master. When all comes together right it's colors are beautiful.
After I finish the carving/sanding I'll just apply a couple coats of Danish Oil and some mat varnish.
Thanks again, guys I really appreciate your thoughts and comments. I did think about having just a ghost type image of the mountain man--but wanted the experience of carving deeper into the wood.
Kathy

Irish · #8 03-01-2007, 01:09 PM

Oh, Kathy! What dramatic progress from your first carving. This little dude is great and I love the standing grizzly. Glad you don't own a fireplace that takes cotton wood

Susan

Mottles · #9 03-01-2007, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irish

Oh, Kathy! What dramatic progress from your first carving. This little dude is great and I love the standing grizzly. Glad you don't own a fireplace that takes cotton wood

Susan

Hi Susan, thank you--I think your right about the fireplace, but sure miss the smell and sounds of a crackling fireplace.
One thing I didn't mention and still kicking around that idea. The jagged top reminds me of the Grand Tetons and I wonder should I try and develope those edges. Orginally those top jagged edges were going to be his hat. Instead I elected to drop down to just below them and start the hat.
I still have to decide about the base whether or not to carve deeper into the base or leave it as is and maybe stain it a different color than the carving.
Suggestions welcome from all! Thought about etching a small owl face into the base.
I do have another mountain man idea I want to get started on when this one is finished--only use basswood this time.
Also a friend gave me some really nice cut logs of aspen and two nice aspen walking sticks to carve. Busy, Busy....
Thanks again Susan,
Kathy

Mottles · #10 04-26-2007, 03:44 PM

Man of the High Country finally finished!

Geez where to begin LOL
Somewhat pleased with the final carving I think it could be better. The carving is done on Cottonwood limb and finished with Danish oil and a matt-medium varnish. I utilized my wood burner for both the mountain man and grizzly bear and stump. It felt good to be burning wood again. LOL
As always I appreciate your thoughts and comments.
Kathy