[Ashbys]

Doris ,

The shinny look isn't as bold as it looks, the flash added alot to it. But it does help in some ways , as it allows me to look without as many shadows. As soon as I cut the effect is gone as it is only a surface protector. There is no depth to the finish.

I agree , there is little detail in the leg above the boot , most of it is still just the form stage. I think most of the form will have to come from his clothing . The knee should be pull in tight against the horse, which should make his pant pull to give it more form.

The horses leg , is a bit different , if you noticed the leg is pulled up oddly, instead of being along side the body as the one on the left is, it is pulled up into his chest, which would bulge the muscles of the chest and upper leg. The elbow if you will is under the horse. A horse structure is much like ours but has to be considered slightly differently.

The hoof is really the finger nail , the knob above the hoof is the knucle, the knee is really the wrist, the (perceived) shoulder is the the elbow and the shoulder is located above at the backbone. So when the leg is raised it is the elbow that we see , not the shoulder. So it is placed juting below, I think if you look close you will see this structure in the third picture, with the tendons pulling , but I will look at it again.

Thanks Doris !

Garry

[doris]

yes, i know that this is "ellbow" of horse, i could not see it in 4th picture, but checked again in 3rd. yes is a little visible, you are right. might be though, a tad bit more would be good, but i understand you in process of defining...and considered it..good :-)

[Toffeeliz]

i find myself saying this a lot in connection to carvings......i just wanna pick this thing up and run my greasy mitts all over!

[JimSawyer]

I've noticed that I do that too, but with me, I'm trying to figure out what size and sweep was used in different parts of the carving.

[squbrigg]

Great progress Ash. Have been quietly following along and admiring your work on this. Quite an ambitious project and you are doing it justice. Well done and keep up the good work. (Keep up with the progress photos too ...... but that is a given! )

Bob

[Ashbys]

Bob ,

I am sorry for not posting updates , other things have been taking my time , I will see if i can take a few photos , it has changed a lot since the last one's I have about 5 sections to work the details on and it will be ready for the mounting.

Ash

[Ashbys]

Here are a few updated pics.

Ash

[Bobla76]

I'm very glad that someone else does their carving front to back. I thought that I was the only one breaking the rules. A long time ago someone gave me a good piece of advice "If you don't break any rules, you haven't made any progress or learned anything. "

I have been in Montana for some time and have been out of touch with what's going on with all you wonderful carvers. Glad to get back in touch!

Bobla

[Merle Rice]

Hi Ash, Strange, You came to mind yesterday and was wondering if you were still working on Napolean. Glad you have made some progress. Still looking good. Merle