Touch the Stars

I think this is another example of my best work.  Maybe that cataract operation paid off after all.  Whatever, I really like this one.  As I've mentioned before, I've been trying to be a little more realistic with some of my pieces.  The treatment of the eyes on this one accomplished that nicely.    I decided to keep the facial decoration to a minimum and the two white lines were just enough to give a fierce appearance while not obscuring the subjects features.

The shield design is partially from one I found while researching on the web but I modified it quite a bit from the original.  Instead of domed tacks, this time I use some very small brass bells.  Such things were actual trade items Native Americans sought for decoration.  

There are more photos in the Gallery and I will look forward to your comments as I always do.

Making Earrings - Part 2

Making Earrings - Part 2.0 from Out West Woodcarving Videos on Vimeo.

Making Earrings - Part 1

Making Earrings - Part 1 from Out West Woodcarving Videos on Vimeo.

Painting a Native American Head - Part 1

Painting a Native American Head - Part 1 from Out West Woodcarving Videos on Vimeo.

Attaching a Native American Hair Braid - Part 2

Attaching Native American Braids Part 2 from Out West Woodcarving Videos on Vimeo.

Attaching a Native American Hair Braid - Part 1

Attaching Native American Braids Part 1 from Out West Woodcarving Videos on Vimeo.

Native American with Shield

Here is a new one I'm in the process of doing.  The shield will be fleshed out quite a bit more before it's finished.  Also it's a bit more realistic in the facial features.  I've lessened the size of the eyes which should look pretty good once the color is added....at least I hope so.  Anyway, we'll see how it turns out once it's painted.

Many Horses

After doing the head of this piece I had named it "Iron Jaw" for an obvious reason but as things progressed the shape of the head changed as did that jaw.  Finally, coming up with the design for the shield that name just didn't fit anymore so "Many Horses" seemed like an excellent choice.

With that shield and the hanging feathers this piece stands a little over "14 inches with the base.  Nice!  I've mentioned before that working in a larger scale not only gives you the chance to concentrate on details but it elevates your work to a higher level.  

As I seem to be moving toward the more realistic figure, one area needs to be addressed and that is the eyes.  On this figure I think they are a little large which is why I decided to do the facial painting as a solid black strip to reduce their appearance.  That pretty well corrected their size.  Yesterday afternoon I worked on a new head, reducing the size of the eyes and it really changed the whole appearance of the piece which was exactly what I was looking for. 

The beading design is my own and the feathers hanging from the shield are based on those of a Red Tailed Hawk.  The head feathers are large and out of scale but they balance the piece...the off-set shield pulls the eye one way but the feathers pull them back to the center.  The base is walnut and I'm trying a new routed edge to accommodate the name plate.  

There are more photos in the Gallery and I'll look forward to your comments.

Jedediah

Now this fella could no doubt tell you some really interesting stories.  I picked the name Jedediah as that has always been a favorite of mine since I read a book about Jedediah Strong Smith many years ago. If ever there was a Mountain man old Jed was him.   Of all the characters of the old west he would be the one I would choose to set down with and listen.

This is about 12" tall with the base.  A really nice size.  There are more photos of him in the Gallery and, as always, I will look forward to your comments.

Muley

This one is rather dark due to the hat brim but that sort of adds to the mystique of what this fella is about.  Now, what he is about I have no real idea but with the name of Muley I can imagine all sorts of things.  I'll just leave it up to your imagination.

There are a few more photos in the Gallery and, as always, your comments are appreciated.

Wichita - Finished

Put the finishing color to this one yesterday and he turned out just great.  Especially, as his head had been collecting dust for the past couple of years.  I guess it proves the adage that you shouldn't rush into somethings.

With the base this one stands as 12" so it's makes a nice presentation.  I gave him a worn looking plaid shirt along with a faded neckerchief.  I even gave him a few freckles which you can see more clearly on a closeup in the Gallery.  If you want to know what Wichita actually sounds like here's  the link back to 1958 and the "Luke Slaughter of Tombstone" radio show. Luck Slaughter Radio Show

I think my presentation matches the voice just right.

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