The Archer Bust Tutorial - Carving the Torso

[BrandantR]

Well folks, if you have been following along with me on my first tutorial, you will be happy to know that I have just finished the third part "Carving the Archer's Torso."

If you haven't been following along, it's not too late to catch up. Just click on this link and it will take you to my blog.

The Old Stump

Here's a couple of pics showing where we are in the process. All comments are welcome and very appreciated.

[Robert Cahill]

Brandant, I sure do appreciate this tutorial and really like the way you are doing it. At present I am working on Lynn's horse but I have started doing the Archer. I have an easier time following along with the pictures for some reason. Getch did a book on a couple of Genes work and this style works better for me. Again a big Thank You

[SlowMover]

As I said on the blog, I find it very helpful to be able to put a still pic up on the computer for reference while I carve. I am not doing the archer per se, but rather trying to master the style of Brandant and Lynn, which I greatly admire..once I master it, then I can tweak it into my own...a long term project but a worthwhile endevor. Please keep the tutorials coming, I learn something from every one and appreciate the effort EVERYONE put into sharing knowledge with us.

[BrandantR]

Thanks guys. I'm glad you find it helpful.

[draft51@aol.com]

Brandant an excellent tutorial, vey well done and easy to understand. If I can get from under some of my work, I will give the Archer a try and show you . Good job. fred k

[Nomad]

Very well done. All the photos are excellent! Thanks!

[kev.b]

Brandant the torso tutorial is of the same very high standard as the head and hat. not only is it clearly described the photo's are an excellent visual aid.
The Archers head i carved has now been hijacked by my wife as a bottle stopper so i have to start over again this time im going to have a torso to fix him on (quickly).
i urge anyone who thinks this may be beyond them to try it. you are guided through the process brilliantly.
many thanks for an superb tutorial throughout.
kev

[BrandantR]

Hey Kev,

Hijacked huh? LOL. Just chalk that one up for practice I guess. My I suggest that before you carve another one that you do as I have always done. That is to take a good look at your bottlestopper and evaluate it carefully, looking for what you like and for areas that you might improve on. This is how I have improve my carving skills over the years.

I also agree with Kev about you beginners out there that might be a little unsure of yourself. Just give it a try and you might very well surprise yourself. All I ask is that you post a pic of your work, or email me a pic if you are too shy to post it publicly. That is the only compensation that I need.

Thanks everyone.

[kev.b]

Brandant i agree with you on evaluating your carvings afterwards. i always find myself thinking i should have done this or that differently.thats all part of the learning process as far as im concerned, and helps in my striving to improve.
1 last question on the Archer. i've seen the caricatures on your site and the paint jobs are as good as the carvings.
Do you seal before painting? paint wet on wet? what do you finish painting with ?
silk / matt varnish? wax?
ok so it's more than 1 question but could you talk us through it anyway??
and thank you for a great tutorial. excellent job, worthy of any book!
(people at Fox take note )

[BrandantR]

Kev,

Don't worry, the tutorial is not finished yet. We still have to make the bow and quiver add-ons for our Archer as well as a nice base. I will also walk you through painting the piece step by step of how I do my painting. I won't leave anyone hanging off the cliff, I'm in this with you to the end.

But, if you still want to know about my finishing technique, I paint with thinned out acrylic paints on dry wood and apply a coat of polyurethane as a finish coat.

Hope this answers your questions.