Winter's Warmth.....Finished!

I put the final touches on this piece this morning.  Quite satisfied with it even though it seemed to take forever to complete.  About the only thing I would change would be the base as I think the snow feature would have looked much better had I done it as previous snow scenes, i.e., elevate the snow above a dark, recessed piece of wood.  The blond basswood just doesn't give it the snap the other would have.

I really like the female figure and now that I'm over the hurdle of carving a decent female face I hope to do more of them in the future.

There are quite a few photos in the Gallery and I look forward to receiving your comments.

Four O'Clock Wake-Up!

This one made me realize that my eyes are changing being as doing fine detail is becoming much more challenging.  I really had a problem with the apron, doing it over about 3 times before I finally said "To Hell With It!" and settled for what I'd done so far.  As this figure is smaller than the others that I've recently been doing I guess I'm going to have to stick with the larger versions.

I originally had him holding a tin cup instead of the lantern but the hand was just too fragile.   Noticing that I had a spare kerosene lantern setting on the window ledge a quick amputation and a little bit of cloning fixed that problem.  I would have liked that lantern a little larger but I think it will do.  In posting the photos I noticed that I had forgotten to add the watch chain to his vest pocket which has now been corrected.   I mounted him using the horseshoe base, something I haven't done in a while.  If I go to the larger figures in the future I guess I'm going to have to switch the Clydesdale shoes!!

Anyway, he turned out pretty good and these Chuck Wagon Cooks are always popular so he'll probably be cooking for someone else's spread before to long.  I also hope you like him and there are more photos in the Gallery.  Comments welcome as always.

The Native American Gains A Girlfriend!

Here's a quick look as my current project.  Worked on the body of the lady all afternoon today and it's pretty well finished.  Did the head yesterday and will add the braids this weekend.  Looking good so far.

Native American

I haven't decided on what to call this piece as I hope to have a companion carving to go with it in a few days.  It's a good sized one...standing about 17 inches with the base.  I foresee lots of color on the robe.  Hope you like him.  More photos in the Gallery.

Grey Owl

I did this one a month back but the buyer requested that I hold off publishing anything about it as it was to be given as a gift to someone who follows this blog.  The surprise worked completely and the piece was well received by the new owner.

I've said it many times before, I love doing Native Americans.  There is just so much color and detail one can use to add to the story of a carving.  I seem to learn with each new one I complete.  With this one I came up with a new way to do feathers that adds a bit of realism without much effort, and I'm always looking for more ways to do things with out much effort these days.  I'm going to hang onto this secret for a while but will probably spill the beans later on as I always seem to do.  Anyway, I hope you like him and look forward to your comments.

Sarge - Painted

Hooray!  It's done!  It's finally off my desk and I can move this stone around my neck out of the shop and into the Gallery.  In one way or another this one has haunted me for at least three months.  Putting that all aside, he turned out pretty well.  The sharp contrast of the colors really set him off and his larger than normal size, about 12", makes him even more impressive.  You can't really see it but there is a gold braid Cavalry hatband around his hat with tassels. I made it out of twisted wire with carved tassels.

I hope you like him and your comments are welcomed as always.  More photos in the Gallery.

The Coal Miner....Where Is He?

No doubt you're all wondering what happened to the Coal Miner project.  Well, at the moment I just don't have the time to do any more with him as other fast approaching deadlines are bearing down and time is limited.  I certainly haven't forgot him as he's the first thing I see when I walk into the shop each morning.  I have a great opportunity coming up October 5 at the Woolaroc Museum and I still have to come up with several carvings orientated to the event.  Shortly after that there is the Dayton show which is the one that pays the bills.  So, with the Coal Miner basically done as a single figure without any additional details you could just mount him as he is or hang on for a while longer and we'll pick him up where we left off.  Hope that's okay.

Sarge!

Finished this fella last night and painted him today but will just post the unpainted version tonight as the paint is still wet.  Will hopefully put up the finished article tomorrow.  A few more photos in the gallery.  Hope you like him and your comments are always welcome.