Could you folks who read this Blog do me a big favor and send me a comment to let me know just how many of you consider this effort worthwhile? I hear from a few of you on a constant basis and I really appreciate that. However, sometimes after I punch the "Publish Post" button I wonder just how many carvers take a moment to read what I write. I have a counter attached but I'm more interested in actual people than counter numbers. So, if possible, take a moment and send me a note. Also, if you'd like, give me some suggestion on what you're interested in that I might be able to helpyou with.
If you're unfamiliar with making a "Comment" just type in what you'd like to say and check the "anonymous" spot. A name and where your located would also be appreciated. Thanks.
See...it's not hard to do!
ReplyDeleteLynn, I love your posts. I have it on my favorites list and check it all the time.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I have trouble with is noses. I seen awhile back you did a post on hands, something on noses would be cool.
My name is Robert and I live in Allendale on the west coast of Michigan.
Thanks Robert. I think the Pancho project covers noses pretty well.
ReplyDeleteI love comming to your blog I am a budding carver myself and one day would love to do the same caliber of work you do and your tutorals are great so keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteAndy-Ohio
Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI am here just about every day looking at something. I don't always leave a comment, but I am always amazed at what I see. I would love to come back by your place and watch you paint!
I don't know about the rest, but for me I would like to know the process of building one of your wagone. Nothing extravagant just simple and easy to do .
Keep carvin'
Terry
aka tvance124
I look at your blog ever few days and apprecuiate your instructions.
ReplyDeleteChuck wagon instruction would be good.
Keep up the good work.
Charles
Springdale AR
Hi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteYour blog is probably the best one out there for learning. It is at the top of my favorites list and I really do appreciate all the information you share and the many projects you come up with. Thanks a bunch an please keep that blog alive! Hope to see ya in Dayton!
Jim O'Harra
YOU TAKE THIS BLOG AWAY AND I WOULD HAVE NO NEED FOR THIS COMPUTER. I STOP IN AT LEAST 3 TIMES PER DAY. I HAVE ALSO CAPTURED EVERY PICTURE YOU HAVE PUBLISHED ON THIS BLOG. IT'S WONDERFUL. EXAMPLE IS THE BOOTS PROJECT. AT THE TIME YOU ADDED THIS PROJECT I WAS NOT TO INTERESTED BUT LATER I DECIDED I WANTED TO DO ME A PAIR OF BOOTS. I HOPE YOU GET 50 COMMENTS ON THIS ONE....MYRON COMPTON-PEKIN, INDIANA (ABOUT 40 MILES NORTH OF LOUISVILLE, KY.)...KEEP IT GOING LYNN I SURE ENJOY IT.
ReplyDeleteLynn,
ReplyDeleteDon't you even think of stopping your Blog, I usually check your site at least once a day sometimes more if you are doing a project. I enjoy your carvings and tutorials and have done a few of your projects, well usually only the heads although I did do the Indian standing in the snow but have not painted him yet.
I would like to see a tutorial on carving an open hand. Everything else you give us is just gravy........
Me again,
Deb
Tennessee
Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI love your carvings and this blog. I hope you continue. I love the step by step tutorials. You have helped my carving a lot.
Thanks,
WoodcarverDave
Lynn,
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm out there, age 65 and retired!! Been carving off and on for 61 yrs. You "Make My Day". How do you find the time to carve and do the blog. AMAZING!!! Just built and finished new carvng studio called HORSESHOE FLATTS BUNKHOUSE. Just like Terry and Charles, like to see blog on building a wagon. Keep up the AMAZING work and keep the blogs coming. Gordon, Boise, Ida.
lynn, your site is great-- i enjoy watching what you post i marvel at the ideas-- where your mind runs. and the artistry involved-- 7 yrs ago i couldnt have done what im doing today. but thanks to you and some other instructors my mind see things with light. we are self limiting in both our ideas and own talents-- think outside of the box-- much as you do on occasion-- look fot those things in our everyday lives that we take for granted-- thats what people enjoy--
ReplyDeleteplease dont quit-- if u help only one person-- you have made the world a better place-- and that is the best thing any of us can do-- and you have already helped many.
chuck
missouri
Lynn, I've been a fan of yours ever since I started trying to carve a year ago. I check your blog every day to see if you have posted something new that I might try and learn from. Your work is outstanding and I appreciate all that you do to try and demonstrate your talent. One thing that might help me and maybe some others is to give the height of your carvings. I have a draw program and if I knew the height I could manipulate it the art the correct demegnsions.. Thanks for sharing your gift with us. Chuck
ReplyDeleteadd me on the list, I read but don't post comments all the time. ( don't know what to say. really) I feel weird saying " Great carving!" all the time..lol But I know it is nice to see people are reading your posts. I'll try to comment more often
ReplyDeleteLynn, Your blog, pictures, step-by-step, and posts have had the biggest positive impact on my carving ability since I first came across your work 2-3 years ago. This year my two first place winners in the open division was a direct result of your teachings. Like the others above, always checking in on the blog but not commenting very much, sorry. In addition to anything with carving, I;d like to see a step-by-step on your lettering process sometime. Thanks for everything you due to help us further the enjoyment of our hobby. Bill "Coffeeman", Amherst NY
ReplyDeleteLynn,
ReplyDeleteI am among the apparent throngs of people that check your blog DAILY. I am something more than a beginner but not nearly to talented as you are. I spend a lot of time examining the details of your photos for a wealth of tips and techniques. Do you REALLY use a box knife???
If you are interested in more reader participation (and if it doesn't pull you away from you carving too much, I need what you do far do too much to want THAT to happen!) here are some suggestions:
Is it possible to make the photos a little larger. It seems that at 61, my ears and my eyes are in a race to see who is going to peter out first. Bigger photos would be a big help.
To bring some of us bashful folk out of the woodwork, would you consider adding a visitor's display section to the blog?
Otherwise, keep up the excellent work!!!
Carvin' Tom
Keep it up. The postings are very useful and help me keep my creative energy going for my woodcarving projects. I find it very interesting how you use other materials i.e..wire, sheet metal with your carvings to create a wonderful finished piece. Again, keep it up. I typically check your site at least 2 times a day. Thanks for sharing your talent.
ReplyDeleteR.T.
Ankeny, Iowa
lynn,
ReplyDeletewhen i found the wci site i thought this is great, and it is, then i found you site, wow,
out west, has it;s own place on my desktop, so my girls, when they come, can see what you are up to, and me i check it 2 or 3 times a day, not to count the times i go to the different carvings to see how you did this thing , '
still trying to get grannys glasses done right,
you have been free with your help and after i got the nerve to email you and ask a question, man , thats first class,
your carvings were discussed in pete leclairs class last week , expessally the one of O. woodcarver dave could tell you,
i thank you for your advice and help, but most of all i thank you for the pleasure of your work,
sam carnes
ohio
Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI am another one who cruises by daily, but posts comments infrequently. Since I found your blog, I think my carving has improved. Much of it due to trying to follow your knife cuts. Your attention to detail is amazing, and I always enjoy seeing your new works.
If I was going to ask for something I would like to see a brief tutorial on carving folds & wrinkles in clothes - similar to the one you did on the relaxed hand.
Keep up the GREAT work!!! Hope to stop by your table in Dayton.
Peter Grant
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Lynn....I look at this site almost everyday and have copied I believe everything posted.....I have been in a carving slump for a long time, but if and when I get back to it, I will indeed be using many of your techniques....keep up the good work! Dave
ReplyDeleteLynn,
ReplyDeleteI visit your site regularly and really appreciate all the hard work you put into your blog to help teach other cavers.
Your site helps motivate me to become a better carver.
Thanks and I can't wait to see some of your carvings in Dayton.
Mark - Canton, Michigan
Greetings Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI too pop-in at least one a day to see what new things you may have posted. I echo the comments of others who ask that you NOT stop posting your work and tutorials. They are always helpful in learning new techniques and expanding the world of carving possibilities.
Your use of common materials to produce uncommon results is always amazing to me. While I'm still cutting wood, for Pancho", I do want to try the cook this fall and use some of those other materials.
I guess Gordon and I are the only ones really "Way out West" that follow your blog? (-:
Still working on Pancho's face, but tring to catch up.
Would you please post, from time to time, an angled shot of the head so I can see the the depth of facial features a little better? It would be helpful to me.
Again, I truly enjoy seeing any of your work that you care to post and always try to leave a note of appreciate for your efforts.
Ron
Eugene, OR
Lynn,everthing I know about painting I learned from you via this blog or your wci posts.I frequently visit here and often review the archives to refresh my memory on past projects. I'm not much of a poster but I relize how you could feel like your wasting time without feedback.I for one will do better.Arnie
ReplyDeleteWell Lynn that sure brought us out of the woodwork, I visit your Blog some times twice a day, Love it, Have learned a lot, just no mind to hand co-ordination to show it in my carvings. Keep up the good work, RonB Based in Utah, travelin the Southern States in winter, if you see an Old Coot whittling by the roadside, stop by could be me.
ReplyDeleteI also have your blog as one of my favorites.Check in almost everyday.I have never commented,but I want you to know that your blog has helped me be a better carver.I have spent lots of money on books,but your blogs are better than any of them.With one exception ,I think you should do a book with a lot of your patterns.
ReplyDeleteThanks,Jason Gillam
Hey Lynn, I go to your website at least 2 or 3 times a week. I read every word of your blogs, I read the comments from everyone, and most of all I really enjoy looking at your work and how you do things. It is simply amazing and I have learned more from your website than any book I have bought to date. I appreciate all you have shared so far and look forward to more postings. So long from Kansas City, look forward to seeing you at the show as always.
ReplyDeleteLynn,
ReplyDeleteI check your blog frequently and enjoy reading your instructions and comments. You have inspired me to try different techniques as well as pay more attention to the details. I tried some of your ideas and won a blue ribbon for my "Festus" charicature. Please keep the pictures and instructions on your blog. I know it's a lot of extra work, but it is really appreciated.
Thanks,
Geo in Albuquerque
Thank you Lynn, the Pancho sequence is terrific, the knife position in the photos makes it a little more informative as to how you use old reliable...won't make me an expert like you in short order, but helpful and informative.
ReplyDeleteThanks again.
I think everyone who has used your site to complete a carving should post it on the WCI board. In fact maybe we should ask them for a special I used Lynn's stuff for my carving thread.
ReplyDeleteYou inspire a lot of folks for sure.
I have put a shortcut to your site on my desktop just to make it easier & quicker to get there. When it was down the other day I thought I was having withdrawal symptoms.
Keep carvin'
Terry
AKA tvance124
I enjoy reading your posts and have learned from your projects. I'm working on Poncho and it is well documented. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteEd from Idaho
Hello Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI check your blog often, love your carving lessons, humor, painting lessons, and honesty! Keep up the good work.
Doug
CARVING IN KENTUCKY...LYNNI LOOK AT YOUR CARVINGS EVERY DAY ENJOY READING YOUR COMMENTSAND LEARN SOMETHING EVERY DAY KEEP IT UP AND THANK YOU FOR SHARING
ReplyDeleteLynn:
ReplyDeleteI look at your site approx. every day.. I enjoy the site and often look at the carvings that you have done in the past.
Please keep up the good work..
Gene Oxley
York, NE
Love your blog. I am new to carving and really enjoy the pictures and and step by step instructions. I hope you continue the postings. Duane from Texas...now in Thousand Palms, CA
ReplyDeleteHey, Good morning Lynn.
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog while having my morning cup of Joe...and posting on WCI, this is great and I will make it a point to stop by as often as I can, keep up the good work.
cannuckcarver
Uh, Lynn, I have a follow-up comment...hmmm...sounds like I've been watching too many debates...
ReplyDeleteReading over these comments it's almost like seeing the last scene of It's a Wonderful Life. Only the last line has been changed to "Every time I read your blog another carving idea is born." :-)
OK, so that's a little over the top but we DO love seeing your work!
Carvin' Tom
Lynn, I agree with Myron. This is the first website I visit when I log on. It was what inspired me to pick up a knife and continues to inspire me with project after project. Please keep it up. I find it more than valuable.
ReplyDeleteAs for requests, I would love to see how you do a cowboy mounted on a horse. I'm about ready to give it a try, but I would love to see how you go about it before I make the venture.
BrandantR - Cedar City, UT
Well Lynn, You see by the responses people do read your writings and do view your pictures. Like most, I do come here often as your site is one of my favorite sites.
ReplyDeleteCarry on the great work abd the unforgiving sharing of your expertise. Thank you.
Kenny
Hey Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI am another regular viewer and I enjoy every carving you have shown us. The tutorials are great and I appreciate your efforts.
I look forward to seeing you and your carvings in Dayton.
Thanks again.
Lynn you have been so generous with passing your knowledge, I would hate to see your blog go away. I look at it at least 4 times per week and more if I am stuck on an item. I appreciate the time you put into the blog. Bill Russell ( Raised an Okie Norman) but live in Omaha, Ne.
ReplyDeleteThanx again Bill in Omaha
I am always amazed at the number of figures, stoppers etc. you put out. Even if you are retired, it's still a lot of work.
ReplyDeleteAs you know I am a beginner and just getting going. The one thing that you have going that I don't think you can teach is a clear and distinct style. Pretty much can tell a "Lynn" carving right off and I don't mean that they all look the same like some critics may say. You produce a wide variety of looks but the style is there. I think all the truly greats have that going. Right now I may only be able to do a Shipley, or a Jack Price style or whatever as I explore what all is out there but I do inspire to deveolp my own style at some point.
Keep them coming Lynn!
Corey Hallagan
I read it with the kids, who thinks "it's the bomb". But then again I'm your son, so I'm expected to read it or else!
ReplyDeleteLynn, I have followed your blog since the beginning and have learned a lot. I have it on my google page so I can quickly check each day for updates.
ReplyDeleteI am webmaster for a club website and put a link on our newsletter pages to your blog so others can find you. Keep up the great work.
Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your site. I'm sure I look at it multiple times a week to see what is new. I've been a silent observer, but have carved a couple sets of your boots. I posted pictures of one set on the woodcarving illustrated message board. I had made these as gift for a retiring employee and enjoyed the positive feedback. It amazes me how you can come up with so many ideas and have a story behind them all. I admire your style and your willingness to share your skills with the world. Thanks for the site and the devotion you have to sharing your knowledge.
Chuck Boger
Bismarck, ND
P.S. Keep it coming, I really appreciate the talent and skill and the light hearted approach you have to life and the world around us. Hopefully, I find the time to tackle more of your examples soon.
Lynn,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you have done for the woodcarving commuty.You've been were we are now and know what it's like.The West was what I grew up on .Your carvings send us back to a better time and place,let's us forget about the way the world's going for a little while.See you in Dayton.
Tristan
Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI check out your site about every other day ...always enjoy your carvings. Thank you for taking the time to keep us all updated on your fantastic work. I've been carving for about a year and you are a great inspiration. Please concider doing a dvd or book on you carvings...know it would be a good seller.
Belprime...Amarillo, Texas
Lynn, I enjoy your posts. I check in often but don't say much. I try to use (steal) your methods and ideas as much as I can get away with.
ReplyDeleteI want to stop by your shop sometime when I am in the area. This is a great site and blog. Keep up the good work. As you probably know, I admire your work greatly.
Lynn, I was never a huge fan of caracture carving until I saw your work. You take it to the level of fine art. I lurk on your site fairly often and read the blogs...even if I don't post. The blog is great, certainly not a waste of time...keep it up please.
ReplyDeletesusieq
you are a master carver and do a very good job at teaching others as well. thank you for helping out this one arm carver or whittler you might say. Dave from Kentucky
ReplyDeleteLynn
ReplyDeleteDon't even think of taking this site down. I have tried many of your suggestions and I think they came out pretty good. Keep up the great work and I check numerous times a week.
Joe
Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI too check your site almost everyday.Thanks for doing what you're doing for the woodcarving community.
Lance Brooks
Hey Lynn, just thought I'd jump on this list of fans as well after seeing your request for folks to check in. I've been sitting here on my rump for three hours going through all the 2006, 2007, and 2008 posts...while my wife naps on the couch. She'll be up in a minute and wouldn't put up with three hours of the OutWest Blog. Anyway, PLEASE keep posting this great stuff and thanks very very much.
ReplyDeleteLynn
ReplyDeleteI am a new reader of your blog and I must say I love it as well.
The photos of your work are truly a woodcarver's "eye candy". I have been searching the web and old back issues of Chip Chats to find more of you work.
As for me, your caricatures are inspirational. Up until now I have been carving Santa figures and because of the amazing work I have seen of yours I may be tempted to jump over to the " OutWest" side.
I can imagine the amount of time it takes to maintain a blog and all the other projects you are involved with, but I suspect for every one person that comments here there must be 100's out there who are just quiet admirers (as I was until today). Your work has truly touched me.
Warm regards,
Ken Dispoto
Jersey Hills Wood Carvers - editor
Is there some way to get the posts like Pancho Part 3, etc into a sequential order, so it can be followed from start to finish? Where and how much does it cost if there is a place like that...
ReplyDeleteWhat a teacher! I certainly enjoy the information and techniques presented. I have become a desciple to the point of doing carvings with my own "Old Reliable" reserected from one of my old tool boxes, I can't believe that this simple knife works so well, and I have many to choose from in price ranges from l0.00 to 7o.00 per copy....I only wish I could meet you in person and carve along....Virgil Tongish, Columbus, Ohio...
ReplyDelete