Trying new things

[Tom-H]

I am trying some new things. I usually whittle Santas, wizards, and Gnomes. And I like to do small things (as you can tell). This scene with mushrooms and a stone base for the Gnome is new for me. I need some assistance! What's the best Gnome placement? Standing, sitting, or some other pose?
Also, how can I improve on this scene? I need help in moving out of my comfort zone....Thanks Tom H

[achaundy]

Very unique! I like it. Skip

[Kenny_S]

That is a nice scene and nicely carved. How about a little gnome setting on the smallest mushroom leaning back on the bigger one. Have leaway on positioning of arms, Maybe behind the head, like maybe snoozing, or whatever.

I like it.

[Coffeeman]

I agree with Kenny.... when I look at the sitting pic, with your eyes and imagination, move him straight up to be sitting on top of the smaller mushroom with his back leaning against the higher mushroon, and make his butt and legs like they "melted" over the slope of the smaller mushroom, slant his hat forward to offset the vertical looks of the two mushrooms caps. Hey, you asked for something "out of the box". Good luck. Bill

[Mottles]

Hi Tom, I think either pose is nice and each are balanced with the mushrooms nicely. The boys have a good suggestions!
Kathy

[squbrigg]

I like the concept, but I believe you are looking for a way to "un-stiffen" it some? Perhaps you could carve the gnome like he's peeking around the mushroom stem, or sitting on top of the mushroom thinking?

I had a good book on Gnomes home from the library a week or so ago, to read to my granddaughter, and it was chock full of great illustrations for Gnomes in all kinds of settings.

Good luck with it, those mushrooms look terrific, so take your time and play around with Gnomes in various positions.

Bob

[Banjo]

Those are the cutest little gnomes I ever saw! The scene is great. Very nice carving. If I had to choose, I think I would choose the sitting gnome.......but either one looks good to me.

[TommyPhillips]

I think sitting would work a little better for your composition. I also agree with the sentiments several have expressed that there should be some kind of interest or action -- reading a book, holding a stein, etc.

I assume that the two you showed in the picture are just stand-ins you carved to help with the composition? Although, I am astounded at how good they look, far better than what I can do, yet.

-Tommy Phillips

[Tom-H]

Hey folks! Thanks for looking and the suggestions. I am kinda playing around, so may give all the suggestions a go. I do agree that I can "unstiffen" the piece with some action...Will give it a try...Thanks again,
Tom H

[Thomp]

Carve some fairy's, brownies jumping and pixies flying around, that will take you out of your comfort zone,

dragons head peeking around the stem, toad frog, turtle, insects.
"a caterpillar with glasses, like hes getti'n educated heck make it with a mortar board hat and tassel"
butterfly's, bees or flower..

i remember a dragon fly done in the last 6 months for some suggestions on wings for them... out of overhead projector films.

Wheres Froto?

remember you asked...