Well, it's been quite some time since I made a post here so I guess I'd better try and catch up.
The reason I've been absent, besides the spring and summer chores that seem to never end around here, is because Judy and I have been invited to show my carvings at the Cody Old West Show and Auction in Santa Fe on the 22 and 23rd of June. It ought to really be an experience to see how my work fits into this show and whether we can pick up a few new collectors. I'll let you know in a week or so just how things went.
Standing Buffalo is very similar to one I did earlier but, as I always try to make each carving I do unique, I changed some of the details. This time I added a pipe bag to the piece and changed the design on the drum. That drum is actually a real drum. I made it using a ring of thin wood and then stretched a piece of chamois leather over the wooden frame while wet and then, once stretched tight, knotted it in back. Placing it out in the sun to dry made the leather really tight against the frame. I really enjoy doing this type of detail.
So, here's to a safe trip to Santa Fe.
Here's the last one I'll be able to finish before the trip to Ohio for the Dayton Ohio Artistry in Wood show.
Big Bear stands at just under 18" with the oak base so he's a pretty impressive Drummer heading off to the big Pow Wow. I did a lot of paint mixing to achieve the colors of the blanket and shirt. Some Red in with the Midnight Blue for the blanket and a little Midnight Blue with Green for the shirt. This is fun to do but make sure you remember the color ratios in case your need some later for a touch-up. I explained the drum construction in the earlier post so won't repeat it here. His earrings are made from aluminum wire left natural for a silver look.
I really like this piece as the character has a relaxed regal look about him. Clearly, he must be the head Drummer and possibly even the lead singer. I guess we'll just have to use our imagination to figure out which.
Again, as Google has did a number on my photo posting this is the only photo of the piece. As always, I will look forward to your comments.
Here's a new one I just finished carving Friday. Hopefully, I can get him finished up before the show in Ohio next month.
With the base he stands approximately 18" and is quite an impressive piece, especially once he's got some color to him. I'm sure the main feature on him will be the drum. I made it just like a real one with a piece of leather stretched over a wooden frame and tied in the back. I did this by drawing out the leathers shape on a chammy, allowing lots of length to the
tie strips, soaking it and having Judy hold the wooden frame in place while I pulled, stretched, and tied the matching leather strip on the other side. Believe me...it takes two people to do this.
Once dry the leather is nice and tight and presents a nice surface to paint on. I outlined the design with a gel pen then painted in the colors. Lastly I use some white on a dry brush to indicate wear in the middle of the drum head where the drum sticks would hit.
As Google has did a number and discontinued the Picasa site where I had all my albums I've decided to only post photos on the actual Blog post vs. in a Gallery album. Hopefully they will eventually fix the problems and I can resume posting more photos. As the videos are hosted on Vimeo they are not affected in any way.
So, I hope you like this fella and will look forward to your comments as I always do.
