Cold Morning Cowboy

Brrrrr!  I don't envy this Buckaroo, having to face a day in the saddle checking the fence lines.  Hopefully he had a good breakfast and is wearing his woolies cause it's cold out there.  That's a stogie in his mouth.  He should know better!

This one also stands about 12" tall with a base made from an old fence post we have on the property.  I think it's Dogwood as they never seem to rot. 

Hope you like him. 

The Generals Coat

Here's one I finishe a couple of weeks ago.  Lots of color!  He stands about 12" tall with the walnut base.  Hope you like him.

Bottle Toppers - The General and The Grunt!

 Here are a couple of Bottle Toppers including the one that was featured in the last video project.  Hope you like them. 

WW2 Soldier - Part 8 - Painting The Head

WW2 Soldier Part 7 -Painting the Figure

WW2 Soldier Part 6 - Painting The Figure

WW2 Soldier - Part 5 - Finishing up the Head

WW2 Soldier - Part 4 - Carving the Head - Part 4

WW2 Soldier - Part 4 - Carving the Head - Part 3

Little Crow

I tried something a little different with this one by setting it off center so he would be looking over his shoulder. His smug look really adds a lot of interest by making you wonder just what he's so self-righteous about.  With the colors of the shield, shirt, and knife it's really a bright piece and will make a nice addition to someone's collection.  At least I hope so. 

I also hope you approve and look forward to your comments. 

The Patriot

Here's the piece I'm donating to the Dayton shows Silent Auction event.  A portion of the sale goes toward the groups charities and also help defray some of the costs for holding the show.  Here's hoping it goes for a tidy sum. 

Old Man of the Sage

Old Man of the Sage
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Here's a new one.  Seems I'm getting more realistic with each new one I complete.  Not to worry though....the next one will be back in the caricature mode.

The Hudson Bay blanket really sets this one off.  I left the main color of the cloth natural with only some light shading for some shadow effects.  Again, the ear rings are made from some aluminum ducting, pounded out with a ball peen hammer.   I also added some small feathers as part of his neck piece.  With the base the piece is about 14" tall.  

Hope you like him.   Comments welcome. 

White Antelope II

First, I've changed his name.  I was originally planning to add a dusting of snow to the figure but it looked so good once painted I decided to leave it snow-free.  I hope you approve of my decision.  Comments always welcome.  

Montana Bound - Finished

I forgot to post the piece once it was painted so here it is.  I think it really turned out nice and will make a nice addition to someone's collection.   Funny...looking at it I actually feel a little sympathy for him as he's not aware of white lies ahead.  

I hope you like him as much as I do.  Comments welcome as always. 

White Antelope

Yes...I know!  You're wondering where all the new video projects are.  Well, I've been busy trying to increase my inventory to where I'll have enough to show this week at the North West Arkansas show and next months Dayton exhibit.  Hopefully, once that's behind we can crank things up again.

Here's my latest, just off the table this morning.  To reflect the title he will have just a light dusting of snow.  I copied the base idea off of some bronze busts done by Dave McGary.  As the anchor for the carving is off center this type of base does it in a real clever way that only adds to the interest of the piece.  To get the curve of the hat brim I carved it as thin as I could get it without worrying if it would snap once I steamed it and bent it around a large coffee can.  A couple of strips

of rubber held it in place while it sat in the sun to dry for a couple of days.  Turned out really nice.  While this is a fairly simple piece detail wise it's really attractive and will be more so once it's painted and complete.

I hope you like it and your comments are welcome.

Montana Bound

I finished carving this one this morning.  As you can see from the earlier post Blowing in the Wind, there have been some major changes.  I decided to make the figure Custer and title it to reflect his jaunty attitude on his way to the Little Big Horn, not knowing what waits for him there.   I did take a little artistic license with leaving the neckerchief in place instead of changing it to the scarf you see in all the photos of him.   Frankly, I think I would rather wear such an item considering all the dust blowing in their faces while on the trail.

He will have a light colored leather coat and a dark blue shirt with white striping on the color.  The bandana will be red.  A prominent Gold star should make it plain just who he is.

I hope you like him as I think he'll be a nice little bust once painted.  Comments welcome.

Slim Pickings

Here's one fresh off the workbench.  I had done one similar some years back but on a much smaller scale.  This one stands about 18" with the oak base.  On the last one I had a whiskey bottle embedded in the sand so I thought I would do something different by planting an empty water bag.  Other than that it's pretty much the same as the original.  

Hope you like it!  Comments welcome.

Spirit Bear

More catching up!  I thought I'd better give this piece a name and make him official. 

I did this one quite a few posts back demonstrating how I made a Bear Claw Necklace.   If you want to check out those videos just scroll down through the "Labels" over in the right column to "Bear Claw Necklace" and it will take you to posts of that subject.  Maybe I should have done that before putting the claws to Old Griz?

I really like this piece.  The character really looks especially strong and proud.  I guess dispatching a Grizzly of that size would pretty well prove that.   I've read several books about just how many of those rascals were out in the old west and just how mean and dangerous they were.  Taking one on with a bow and arrow or spear and living through it would certainly prove that this is one fella' that you shouldn't get on the wrong side of.  I like him so much that I haven't decided yet whether I'll let him go.  

Again, I really look forward to your comments as they make doing this Blog worth it.  Thanks.

Old Griz

I almost forgot to post the finished photos of this one too.  Old age creeping up on me I guess.  Anyway, here he is in all his color.

Okay....with this one too I went a little overboard on the size of the Bear Claws.  I was so involved with finishing this one that I didn't really notice that until they were fixed in place.  Remember Lynn......TAKE YOUR TIME!!!  Check out the photo below to see how they should really look.

Other than that it turned out pretty good.  I like the floppy hat and the dark fur's contrast with the other colors really sets off the piece. With the walnut base he stands about 11" tall.  

Hope you like him and your comments are welcome.

Strong Heart - Finished

I received a note from a good friend last night asking what happened to the photo of the finished Strong Heart piece?  Well, Judy and I went to Wyoming and in the excitement of the trip I forgot all about it!  So, here it is. 

First, I'll admit, the feathers are a little large.  Other than that I think it turned out really nice.  I like the strong colors, especially the contrasting beading.  

As always, comments are welcome.

Blowing in the Wind

Really pleased with this pose as it's showing lots of movement even in the rough stage.  Naturally, he'll have a hat with an upturned brim to carry the wind theme.    Wish I would have turned the end of the neckerchief up to increase the interest.  Oh well, next time.  Hope you like it.

Old Griz

Here's one that's been on my workbench for about a year.  Still have to add the Bear claws and a couple feathers for his hat.  He should be a colorful one.  Stands about 12" with the walnut base. 

The Cherokee Kid

Here's a new one.  If you think you're seeing spots its because there are lots of them!  He stands about 11" tall with the walnut base.    Hope you like him.

Yay! Yipee! Hooray!

This weekend the fiber optic installation crew finally showed up to complete one of the last steps toward our installation.  That little black box up there on our power pole is the line coming in.  The last step in the process is to have it run from the pole into the house which should happen within the next week or so........at least that's what we've been told.   We sure hope that's the case.

So, fingers crossed, in the next few weeks we just might get back to making some videos.  

Big Horn Bill - Finished

I think I'm going to need an eye exam after this one.  Boy!  Small details and old eyes make painting a difficult job! In the end though he turned out pretty good.  The colors are bright and balanced and everything seems to work.  

So, now it's off to the next project while we still wait for the high speed installation.  They say patience is a virtue but I'm beginning to wonder.

More photos in the Gallery. 

Big Horn Bill - Now For The Fun Part!

With the easy part of the painting applied and the shirts, hat and knife sheaf beading areas primed, it's time to start doing some research on the type of beaded patterns to use.  The areas might appear a little stark in the photo but the end result will be balanced by choosing colors that will compliment both the figure and the three beaded areas.

Judy and I are just back from our annual trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and while there were lucky enough to attend the Elk Fest in the town of Jackson. (https://www.elkfest.org/)  Could be old Bill could have got the handle of his knife in that area.  There certainly are plenty of Elk there. Matter of fact....that could be old Bill, or a friend of his, in this photo, taken at a Mountain Man event recently.  We love the Jackson Hole area as you just can't beat the beauty of the place.  The Tetons were magnificent this trip and we extended our stay to spend a few days at the Triangle X Ranch  in the Teton park.   That's the Dude and the Dudette on their horses riding on the bank of the Snake River with the Tetons in the background.  Unfortunately for Judy....her horse spooked when we came across a large herd of Elk and she had to walk a mile back to the ranch with one of the Wranglers.

The town of Jackson is also one of the main locations for the top Galleries that specialize in western art.   It's a real treat to see the latest paintings and sculpture and to check out what's happening in the current western art scene.

It's good to be back home and back at the workbench.   We're still waiting for that high speed hook-up but things are looking up.  At least that's what they're telling us.

So, until next time.....I'll talk to you later.

The End Is Finally In Sight!

Well, after almost 4 years, we are on the verge of a fiber optic internet line.  They arrived today an ran the cable to the outside of the house, now all that's left is the actual run into the house and the connection to the new modem.  Another crew should show up shortly to wrap up the install.  I've signed up for a 500mps service plan and considering the ATT DSL line I presently use is only 5-6mps on a good day, things should be screaming both up and down.  Hopefully, once this is behind us we can FINALLY begin to upload some new videos.  Also, if things work out as we want, future videos will be available both on the current Vimeo host site and Youtube.   

So, while it hasn't actually happened yet, I'll take a chance and thank all of you Out West fans in advance for your patience.  There's always something new going on down at the shop and we hope it won't be too much longer before we can share whatever comes up with you.  

  

Strong Heart

Here is the one I'm presently working on.  While I've done one previously similar to it I will again change this one enough to where it will be unique.

I still have to decide just what type of decoration to put on the head...either feathers or a hat.  At the moment I'm leaning toward feathers and have made a few just in case that's the direction I end up going.   The crosshatched areas on each side of the jacket will be beaded and the center medallion will be a peace medal.  I've lightly etched the relief of a bust on the medal that will be enhanced when it's painted.

I was originally going to name this one "The Delegate" as if he was heading for a peace conference.  However, I decided to save that name for another figure as I think a peace delegate would be dressed to more represent their tribe.  Here's a photo of the feathers, ready to be painted.

He should be pretty colorful once painted and should make an attractive piece to someone's collection.  

Any Complaints - 2

As I mentioned before, this is a smaller version of the one I did earlier.  He stands about 10-11" tall compared to the original which came in at around 16".  While it's the same basic pose, the figure is different as is the apron design.  I try to keep everything original if possible and for those of you who sell your work, producing original work is a prime consideration to those who might collect it.  If you compare the two you can quickly see that while they might each have a coffee pot, gun, vest and cleaver, everything else is pretty distinct to each figure.  

There are other photos in the Gallery if you can find them. If some of you have found an easy way to locate the individual photo albums please let me and the others here know.  Again, I look forward to any comments. 

PLEASE NOTE: 
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Our great friend Bob Easton has given us a solution to finding a particular photo album.  Here's the solution:

"It's easy to understand your disappointment with what Google's done to photos. It's not too hard to find older sets ---as long as--- one knows a name to search for. Here's how I found the earlier version of "Any Complaints." The key is having a name, a complete name.

1. Open the "Blog Photo Gallery" link.
2. Then press CTRL+F (CMD+F on Macs) to open a search box.
3. Type in the name, "Any Complaints"

That quickly took me to a folder of 29 pictures."
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Also, remember to use the "Labels" feature on the right side of this Blog.  Just search for the type of carving or subject and "Presto" all Blog posts dealing with that word are brought up.  

Hopefully, this will help us track down certain photos.....at least until Google decided to change things again.

Thanks again Bob. 

Any Complaints? - 2

It's been quite a while since I did a Chuckwagon Cook  so I thought I would do another of this character but on a smaller scale.  As I mentioned earlier, I'm getting over a bad case of artist block so I guess you could say I'm easing back into it.

This Cookie stands about 12" tall with the base but still manages to capture most of the attitude of my earlier piece.  Some inconsiderate Brush Popper must have questioned the quality of the evening meal which didn't set well with prairie version of Emeril Legasse.  He'll no doubt get his attitude adjusted come Breakfast when he finds himself at the end of the chow line.

I'm not really sure what's next on the calendar but imagine it will probably be another Indian.  With spring chores building I just hope they don't crowd out my carving time.

I didn't place any additional photo in the Gallery as I can never seem to find them once I post them there.  Anyway, I hope you like this one and will look forward to your comments.

Jeremiah

Slump!  Hitting the wall!  Artistic Block!  Whatever you might call it, that's what I've been going through for the past  months.  I'm sure most of you have experienced the same thing.  Hopefully, with this piece and a few upcoming ones I am finally over it.  

Jeremiah has been setting, gathering dust,  on the workbench since last year.  I finally finished him yesterday.  He's not an example of my best work but at least he's done and won't haunt me everytime I walk into the shop.   There are more photos in the photo Gallery but good luck looking for them.  Google really did a number when they dropped Picasa.    

The Big Project

Judy and I had the opportunity to return to Woolaroc Museum the other day to see how the Chuckwagon installation was progressing.  WOW!  Looking Good!  There is still some work to be done to the front of the display as they had originally planned on doing display cases there that would have contained artifacts associated with the trail drives.  Unfortunately, those cases blocked the view of the scene so they were removed and will be replaced by a split-rail fence.  Other than that the scene is set and standing there you can almost hear the cattle moving in the background and the wranglers complaining about the slowness of the chow line.

There are a couple of things I would have left out of the scene, i.e., the cast-iron teapot and cornbread mold. I doubt seriously if those two things ever could have been found in a wagons inventory.  Maybe I'll point that out during the next trip.  You have to keep the details right or there will be those who waste no time pointing out the wrong ones.

 Don't ask me why but to me the best position to view the overall scene is this one. Seeing my efforts included in the displays of one of the top western museums in the U.S. is a thrill indeed.

Should you have the opportunity to visit this museum you owe it to yourself to drive just west of Bartlesville, OK, to see some of the best displays of western art around.  Russell, Remington, Beeler, Moran, and I'm proud to say...Doughty, are all there plus many more too numerous to name.  Woolaroc may be a little off the beaten path but in a way that's what makes it such a wonderful and special place.  Here's how to get there:

The Big Project - Part 3

It took a lot of hard work by a lot of people but the Chuckwagon is finally in it's new home at Woolaroc.  All that's left now is to turn that empty corner in the Museum into a fleshed out piece of the Old West.  In just a month or so visitors will be able to imagine standing in line, hoping those beans and hot biscuits don't run out before it's their turn.  Sort of like visiting the Pioneer Woman's Mercantile.  There always seems to be a line when good food is on the menu.

People have ask me if we were sad to see the wagon move to it's new home.  No!  Even though there was a box of Kleenex setting close by when I signed over ownership to Woolaroc, it wasn't needed as I knew that with each future visit to the Museum we could still see it and think...."That was once ours! Remember those biscuits you rolled out?  The pies we baked?  The barbecue?  The Cowboy beans?  Especially that hot, boiled coffee that warmed us up on those frosty mornings."  No, we're not sorry at all ..... we're honored that it's has found a new home at Woolaroc where it will be enjoyed by countless other fans of the old west who only wish they too could have enjoyed and experienced such things.

We'd like to offer a special thank you  to Museum Director Shiloh Thurman who is ramrodding this project and all the others who bent their backs and helped to get that wagon to it's new place.

Stay tuned for at least one more post.  In the meantime, here are some photos we took during the move: