Motherhood Cottonwood Root Carving

[Mottles]

Motherhood
Cottonwood Root (from dead tree)
12 Inches Tall (including Cottonwood limb base)

Hi All, here is my latest Cottonwood root sculpture. Living in Arizona I can't help but be influenced my the native American and cowboy art it's all around me.
This is my own design using a twisted cottonwood root and adding my own interpretation of a native American mother and baby. The root is carved as one with the exception of the baby which was carved separtely and glued in place. The twig was left attached for added interest to the design and scene. I added a Hopi type clay pot to the base area. The pot I found yesterday on one of my hikes--it's actually a semi-hard shelled juniper berry I painted to look like a clay pot. I used acrylic paints for the entire sculpture.
As always I appreciate your comments.
Kathy

[Ashbys]

Kathy,
Looks good. And you captured the southwest painting.

Ash

[Kenny_S]

Yep Kathy, Ya done real good on the carving and I really like how you have it painted. Definitely Native American from the Southwest.

I like it.

[Bartster]

kathy,

great work i like the way you have captured the southwest paint style.

bart

[Mottles]

Talking Thanks guys, I appreciate your compliments and I must say it was fun painting on the carving. Kind of hard getting my lines straight on a curved surface. Any suggestions?
Kathy

[Ashbys]

There is a simple answer ...



DON"T DO IT ! Bouncing S


But yep I know a way, If your going around the piece , go to Lowes, Wally world .. ect or check your hubbys tool box and look for a chalk line. Basically it is a string with chalk on it , Line up point a and point b put the string against the carving .....

instant correct line to follow.

Ash

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Good job Kathy!

[Mottles]

Ash: LOL Thank you for the tip and hubby does have a chalk line--I've seen him use it before.
Not only did this root have twists but also dips. I'll give your tip a try next time...thanks
PS I found using a long sable hair liner brush the most effective for applying the lines. I was desperate normally I wouln't use my sable hair brushes with acrylic.

Dave: Thank you, much appreciated

Kathy

[Marci MN]

Neat!! I like your style!! And I love those colors.

[Mottles]

Thank you Marci, I love the rich limited color palette of the Hopi artisans especially.
Kathy