A Very Merry Christmas From Us Out West!

We wish you all a blessed Christmas.

Judy & Lynn Doughty

Carving A Cowboy’s Horse – Part 14 – The Final Touches

This is the last video of this project and in it we apply the final touches which will bring our horse alive in a scene where he’ll look right at home.   As I’ve said before the presentation of a piece is just as important, and sometimes more important, as the carving itself.   I think this is a good example of that.  Just a little extra work and a few minor tweaks have turned a simple carved horse into an impressive scene that easily stands above any that might be close by.   It’s the old “Elephant in the room” theory:  You just can’t ignore it!

So, I hope you enjoyed following along and I hope you’re as satisfied with your result as I am with mine.   As always, your comments are welcomed and appreciated.

Carving A Cowboy’s Horse – Part 13 – Painting The Pony

Laying the carving tools to the side it’s time to get out the brushes and apply some color to our cayuse.   This one will be an Appaloosa with a white blanket.  

Sheepherders Wagon Gets A New Top

Judy got the canvas top sewn this morning so we attached it to the framework and rolled up the one side so the inside can be seen.  Still have to figure some type of coating to apply to give it some protection from dirty fingers.  I'm really pleased with it.  Now to get busy and finish the inner details and then it's on to the figures and the setting.
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As always comments are welcome and appreciated.

Carving A Cowboy’s Horse – Part 12 – Building A Gate

Ever build a wooden gate?  Well, here’s your chance!  While it might look a little involved for a caricature carving,  I like to do things the same way it would be done if it were done full size.  That way it looks authentic and our little gate will look just like it’s big brother out there on the ranch.    If you don’t have access to the tools to cut the wooden strips you can find the stock necessary at Hobby Lobby or a local hobby shop in the model airplane section.

Again, going through this much trouble to make a base and setting for the horse might seem a little overboard to some but believe me, it will pay dividends when that prospective buyer shows up at your display.  Horses don’t hang around long.

Carving A Cowboy’s Horse – Part 11 – Making A Base

Aside from the minor hiccup with an old can of auto body putty, the process of making a base for the horse is an easy one.   While there are many ways to make a base I hope this video gives you some ideas on how to make your own.

Sheepherders Wagon - All Done....At least the wagon part!

Added the Sheepherders hook to side this morning which was the final thing for the wagon part of this project.  Of course I still have to flesh out the interior and also add a few more objects hanging on the outside.
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If you go to the gallery and compare the wagon before it was weathered to what it looks like now you can really see the importance of this step.  Now it looks like it just rolled into the studio from being out in the field for quite some time.  I used a light brown on the wheels first.  Drybrushing it pretty heavy where the spokes meet the rims and humbs.  Where the hubs meet the axles I used Dark Burnt Umber to indicate grease.  On the wagon box I used a very light tan lightly applied and then a little heavier around the corners or anywhere there would be wear.  The wagon makers name on the side box is authentic for the period and the area where it would have been used.  The chains for the front tongue came from some necklace jewelry I found at WalMart.  Oh, I figured out a way to hinge the front door by using short lengths of wire.  I just used a piece of old drop cloth for the temporary canvas cover.  Judy will have to sew the real one.  I will live it rolled up as shown so the inside can be viewed.
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I think it really turned out well and am now glad I waited those past years before finishing it.  It's going to make a great anchor for the scene which, if it turns out how I visualize, will be a real winner.  As always your comments are welcome and appreciated and there are several more photos in the gallery.

Sheepherders Wagon - Almost Road Ready!

It's starting to actually look like something! The thing that seems to be taking the most time with this project is me trying to remember just what I did when building earlier wagons.  At least the hard part is over with now.
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This morning I added the steel rims to the wheels which gave them some extra bulk.  Prior to that they looked kind of puny.  The yellow paintwork is kind of bright but that will all be toned down once I weather everything to make it look well used.
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I've got the scene already put together in my head so once I get this wagon finished the other characters should start to show up.  Naturally, a few sheep are involved.
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As always, your comments are welcome.

Carving A Cowboy’s Horse – Part 10 – Carving & Gluing On The Stirrups

With the stirrup blanks cut out we can now carve and attach them.  Guess what?  WE’RE DONE!  At least with the carving part.  We still have to paint this cayuse.  But before we do that we’ll put her in a scene which will add to her appeal when that buyer happens by.  After that it’s on to the paint table.

Carving A Cowboy’s Horse – Part 9 – Finishing The Tail & Laying Out The Stirrups

Putting the final touches on the horse we move on to laying out and cutting the blanks for the stirrups. 

Carving A Cowboy’s Horse – Part 8 – Carving The Neck & Adding The Tail

We’re moving along at a good clip now.  Aiming to have this project complete before Christmas. 

Carving A Cowboy’s Horse – Part 7 – Finishing The Head & Gluing It To The Body

As the title states, we wrap up the head part and attach it to the body.  We’re are definitely cruising now!

Sheepherders Wagon - Carriage Framework & Stove

Managed to finish the upper carriage framework today along with the little "Go To Hell" stove.  I have no idea why the stove is called that but can imagine a few scenarios.  The ends are made from plywood and the canvas support strips are oak, steamed and then fixed in place.  The lower body is made from basswood.  Still trying to figure out a way to make the front door open and close.
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So far it's looking pretty good.  The next fun part will be constructing the undercarriage and the wheels.  Once that's done it's on to the small details which will really flesh it out.
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Lots of photos in the Gallery and your comments are welcome as always.  Tomorrow I hope to finish up the horses's head.

Sheepherders Wagon Project

This will be my next project for a while.  Believe it or not I started building this type of wagon about 3 years ago but lost interest and got involved with other things.  I did manage to complete the wagon box before putting it on the shelf and today I've been working on the front and back framework and some of the interior details.
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The real reason that I'm posting this now is that I want it on record so as to force me to complete it.  I know it will make a great setting for a scene once the sheepherder shows up along with all his necessities.  Should be fun.   I'll post some photos tomorrow if I can get the upper framework completed.   As always any comments are welcome.   And don't worry.......we're still going to complete that horse!

Carving A Cowboy’s Horse – Part 6 – Laying Out & Carving The Head

Carving the head will take a couple of videos to get it all in.  This is a long one….about 40 minutes.  In laying out the block  I thought I had a good idea that would have helped in the glue up but it didn’t work out so will save that one till some other time.   I show you another great book to have around when doing horses…here’s the link:  http://www.amazon.com/Draw-Horses-Sam-Savitt/dp/0939481235.  You can buy a new one or just pick up a used copy.  I’ve bought the used ones before and have never been sorry.  Saves quite a bit.  Anyway, good luck with the head!