[Lightningbolt]

Guess that I'm really going at it here lately! Thought that I'd try something a little different today rather than my usual "generic" standing bear pose. Unfortunately, I could be on the road to doom as far as my reputation goes since I now seem to be drifting further and further into the "cute" realm of chainsaw carving and further away from the "realistic" side. A staff person said that she plans to open the bidding at $125.00 so I suppose that I must continue down this slippery slope... at least for now!

I did this one out of a small white pine log from a pile of logs that a neighbor gave to me for the clearing about two years ago. I dumped them in an old barn in my backyard and they've been literally just sitting there untouched ever since... all with the bark still on them. I was amazed how well and solid they had seasoned and I couldn't detect any bug damage into the wood itself although the bark fell right off.

It was super easy carving and I finished him up in just a couple of hours so my speed is improving AND I hardly even used my magic marker for sketching on the pattern before carving! It really feels good to just walk up to a log and begin sawing almost non-stop from begining to end! The characteristics of the bears body (according to my own wacky way of "seeing") is begining to be absorbed and squished into the deep recesses of my brain, I suppose.

Like I previously mentioned, I put a lot of the "cute" factor into this little fellow too with those sweet little paw print legs and complete with a button tail! Mainly I was proud to have just tried to carve a different bear pose so I'll consider that progress!

I added black acrylic paint to the paws, claws, mouth, nose, and eyes... then torched him and completed with a few coats of outdoor polyurethane.

[Tom H]

Nice BEAR Dave. And CUTE is good too. In my very limited venture into the world of carving I wouldn't be suprised if cute outsold realistic, at least in volume...Good work, I like it.....Now for your next trick do a 12 inch bear with a chain saw. Tom H

[Joy]

Hey, the customer is always right Depending on where you sell....I'm betting cute will win every time over realistic. Nice bear.

[brianh]

It looks good, for the hair try tapping the side of your bar in little dips for texture for a really fluffy appearance

[Lightningbolt]

Thank's for the comments and suggestions! I agree with the "cute" factor.

Now for your next trick do a 12 inch bear with a chain saw. Tom H

Now you know better than to challenge me like that! I'm not quite that good or have just the right saws for that right now... but I WILL get there!

It looks good, for the hair try tapping the side of your bar in little dips for texture for a really fluffy appearance. brianh

You know, I never even noticed that blem in my carving until I posted the picture where it stood out loud & clear! It's amazing what a picture (or actual carving) can teach if you look at it! Oh, well. I greatly appreciate how you described what to do to produce a better texture... that makes some sense that I can translate to the saw and the kind of advice that I need. I'm gonna keep working on it. Thank's!

[GeorgiaFred]

Good Bear ! I like the feet !
GaFred

[Thor]

Cute feetsies!
I was told to do the sideways chainsaw tapping for fur, and it turned out pretty well. I got to see it demonstrated, and that made understanding that move much easier.
It is very generous of you to share your enthusiasm and donate it for an auction.
Thor

[Lightningbolt]

Thank's again for the comment's!

Thor: I think that I've now got a pretty good idea about how to "dance" my bar around for the best fur look and can't wait to practice but I'm now awaiting my next load of logs that a local farmer is donating. Unfortunately, they won't be delivered until after mid-week next week so I'll just have to grit my teeth and wait.

I'm also getting closer and closer to stopping at the local Stihl dealership for a brand new you-know-what!

Oh yeah, today my supervisor who also loves bears told me that she thinks the bear needs to be a little more fat! Jokingly, I told her that mine was on a diet but I think I'm gonna try feeding them more berries on future carvings!

[Colin_Partridge]

Dave dont worry about reputation cutsy bears are just fine. It doent matter what my bears look like they all sell. The first one I carved looked like a pig. I had it at a show and this lady fell in love with it. She asked me "How much is your cute little pig" I told her $150 and she paid for is cash. I never did tell her it was supposed to be a bear. Love the hind paws cute little bear. I have a 12 inch bear and a 6 inch bear I carved with a chainsaw I will post a picture of it later.
Colin

[Don by the lake]

Colin,
How is that chainsaw you bought last year in PA. working? Would you recommend it? I know it works good on pumpkins!