[Curly Early]

I have carved quite a few male figures, I would like to learn to carve the female face. Its funny how we see and know men from women, but how to carve them so others will know what we have carved really challenged me. This was a Rossiter roughout bought at a club meeting so I give it a whirl. Now I read the posts of late on criticism, and you're free to let-er-rip because I didn't finish up the way I expected to, but sure was a learning experience. This was a four night job and ready to quit on this one and begin another. Mouth on this one not quite right, anybody? How do you put the little dimple at each end of the lips? Didn't want to do the eyes as such, but broke out a chip and made it necessary make like so. Your comments are welcome as I really desire to make attractive female carvings. Thanks - Earl

[Kenny_S]

Well Earl, She be a fine looking woman. Not many can carve the features of a woman correctly,but you done great.
I will Leave the critiquing up to the PROS.
Love the finish on her!

[Tarik]

Done in 4 days!!

I like the lips, she looks radiant, as if trying not to laugh.

But... If you don't like her, I can PM you my adress to you to throw her away

[wade clark]

Very nicely done! Beautiful work!
Wade

[Blake Lunsford]

Very nice! I really like the detail on her! It's difficult for a lot of carvers to get the female face correct. Nice work!

Blake

[Thor]

Beautiful. She doesn't look like your first female bust. The finish highlights the softness of her face beautifully. The way you carved her lips suspends her in a bit of motion that gives her lifelike features.
The tool marks on the lower drape helps keep your concentration back on her face as well.
Really nicely done.
Thor

[wood-whittler]

very nicely done, women are hard for alot of people and it seems you are not one of those folks, great work,

bart

[foundwood]

Depending on the state of concentration or relaxation, the corners of the mouth do not always terminate within the cheek muscles.

In a semi-relaxed state, the ends of the lips curve slightly upward at the corners, without bringing into play the larger muscles in the cheeks: picture one. When most folks smile, the muscles in the cheeks contract, and the lips terminate in the edges of the "dimples": photo two. The fully relaxed state makes the lips and chin seem to protrude past all other lower facial features.

The only thing more difficult than getting a teenager to make faces for the camera (highly unlikely), is carving their likeness in wood (nearly impossible for me).

You have done a fantastic job: she smiles with all of her features in proportion to her level of amusement.

[Mark N. Akers]

Very nice job on the women bust Earl.

[Kenny_S]

Well Foundwood, Looks like you accomplished that teenager's likeness in your piece. Another great carving.