The Coal Miner - Part 13 - Roughing Out The Legs

Okay.....let's see if we can get back on track with this guy.

Part 13 -Roughing Out The Legs from Out West Woodcarving Videos on Vimeo.

Black Eagle - Painted

Worked on this one over the weekend to get him out of the shop and into the Gallery.  Glad he's finally finished as he's been staring at me for the past couple of  months, setting on my work table.  I added a feather on the end of his fan to give the piece a little motion.  I think little details like that really add to the appeal of a piece...same goes for the earrings which are pounded copper.  With the base he stands about 12" tall.

There are more photos in the Gallery and your comments are always welcome.

Artistry In Wood Show

I just received the new poster for the upcoming Artistry in Wood event in Dayton, Ohio this November.  If you have been fortunate enough to have attended this show you know this one will be better than the last.  If you haven't made the trip yet you should definitely mark your calendar as it's clearly the best show in the country by far.  For competition, sales or exposure you just can't beat it.  It's where it's at!

Click on the link to the Dayton Woodcarvers website over there on the right for more information.    See you there?

Cotton Eyed Joe II

I've done this character before but being as Grand kids are staying with us I thought I'd push the envelope a little and make him a little more wacky than normal as Grand kids always seem to like wacky things.  If you could look under those sparkling teeth you would see all kinds of cavities and discolorations but after watching it for a while it was just a little too much wacky and not enough good taste so I painted over it.  I do want to sell the thing after all and doubt if a prospective buyer would want a very graphic example of poor dental hygiene setting on the knick-knack shelf.   I do like the spotted shirt and hope you do too.  As always your comments are always welcome and appreciated.  More photos in the Gallery.

The Top Hand - Bust

I painted this a couple weeks ago and as things have settled down around here I thought I'd try and get back on track with my posts.  Appreciate your sticking around.  There are more photos in the Gallery and your comments are welcome as always.

Thanks!

Just want to take a moment to say thanks for your kind thoughts, prayers and cards with regard to the passing of our Mother.  You folks are the best!    Thank you.

Our Mom

Our Mom passed in her sleep early this morning.  Life and it's cares are behind her now, and she's back with Dad, her eldest son and all the friends that have passed before her.  It's a sad day Out West.

Our Mother
------------------
You can only have one mother
Patient kind and true;
No other friend in all the world,
Will be the same to you.

When other friends forsake you,
To mother you will return,
For all her loving kindness,
She asks nothing in return.

As we look upon her picture,
Sweet memories we recall,
Of a face so full of sunshine,
And a smile for one and all.

Sweet Jesus, take this message,
to our dear Mother up above;
Tell her how we miss her,
and give her all our love. 

Just A Note!

Due to a serious illness in the family, my Mother, future posts will be put on hold for  a while.  Appreciate your understanding.

Sour Note Charlie III

I've done this figure a number of times and this is another version of him.  I think this one looks more dejected than the others which is good.  Still a few details to add....broken strings, bullet holes, etc.  The music sheet is metal and will be a challenge in itself to paint.  I'm thinking "Cowboy's Lament" for the title.  This one will probably not hang around long once completed so I think I'll enjoy him a while before letting him go for his next appearance.

More photos in the Gallery and your comments are always welcome.

The Top Hand - Bust

Here's one I did the other day.  It's a good sized piece when compared to the normal busts....standing about 15" with the base.  It's certainly no easier to carve a larger piece but it gives you the opportunity to expand the details a little in both carving and painting.  Most importantly, it raises your piece to a different level than what is normally seen and that's what I'm after.  The hat is the type worn in the northwestern areas of cowboy country.

Just the one photo so far.  Hope you like him and your comments are always welcome.