It Wasn't So Bad Till He Put the Socks In!

Here's one from way back to the PD  (Pre-Digital) days.  I think I did this one in the mid-90's and it was quickly sold to a fella out in California.  Matter of fact...we drove it out to him as I had just recently shipped a large scene to another collector out there and it arrived almost destroyed by UPS.  I had even paid to have it professionally packed by Postnet.  Some packing!!  After that experience I developed my own packing system and have never again experienced any problems. 

I really enjoyed building the windmill, complete with a scale model of the fan and vane mechanism.  Judy, while being a little hesitant, came down to model for the figure. She also made the barbed wire for the fence.  I painted the interior surface of the stock tank a very dark greenish blue and then poured in a layer of clear acrylic resin for a great effect.  A couple of chickens and socks finished things up.  The title of the piece comes from the conversation the two horses are having. 

It's really fun seeing some old friends after a long absence. In the next post I'll show you a few more.  

Comments welcome!

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.

Osage County Cowboy - Painted

Finally got the details on this one today.  Glad he's out of the way as he's been hanging around for too long.  Turned out pretty good.  This little scene is always a crowd pleaser and doesn't stay too long in the Gallery.  Hope you like him.  More photos in the gallery.

Osage County Cowboy

Well, it took about 6 months but I finally finished him yesterday.  Still trying to clear off the work counter so I can move on to some new projects.  As I've picked up a few new collectors from the show at Woolaroc I titled this one to reflect the county that the museum is located in.  I'm pretty certain someone will like that.

Anyway, hope you like him as once he gets some color and all the associated details, i.e., lasso, reins, etc. he should be a pretty spiffy wrangler.

The Boss Of The Outfit - Finished

Nailed the nameplate on this honcho this morning so he's ready to ride out and check on those deadbeats that always seem to be hanging out behind the bunkhouse.   I had my doubts about this piece when I first started him but as he progressed he just seemed to get better and better, ending up as one of my best.   I really like the coloring on the Buckskin and the angora chaps add a little extra touch.  With the base he stands about 14" tall.

Hope you like him and there are more photos in the Gallery.  As always, your comments are welcomed and appreciated.

THE BOSS

I haven't done a wrangler on a horse in a while so thought I'd better get a few done before November or everyone would think my cowboys are all unmounted.

Thought I would give this one a little twist by putting a derby on his head instead of the usual Stetson.  Being the Boss he's probably not in the sun all day so doesn't need that wide brim as he probably spends most of his time with his nose in the books or down at the bank trying to wrangle another loan.   He's about 15" tall with the base so it's a nice piece that will command attention.  I gave the horse a snaffle bit and you can see a metal rear cinch just behind his leg.

Hope you like him and there are more photos in the gallery. Comments welcome.

A Cowboy Pony

Here is a pony I just wrapped up today.  After Dayton he's headed to Indiana to help herd any bovines in the area.  While I had a choice of the type of coloring to use I really like the coloring of a Buckskin so that's what he is.  Matt Dillon rode a Buckskin so he comes from a good lineage.
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Hope you like him and your comments are appreciated.  More photos in the Gallery.

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.

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!

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!

Carving A Cowboy’s Horse – Part 5 – Carving The Saddle

With this one we add the blanket and saddle to the horse.  It might sound difficult but I think you’ll find that it’s really quite easy.  Just do a little research, learn the various pieces of the saddle and you’ll have no trouble.  

Carving a Cowboy’s Horse – Part 4 – Rounding Out The Upper Body

Moving right along, in this video we round out the upper body in preparation for the saddle.  You have to be a little careful as you don’t want to remove too much wood.  Also, take a moment and review the muscle structure where the legs meet the body it will pay off when you do these areas.   In the next video we will lay out and carve the saddle and then move on to the head and tail.  Have fun.

Carving a Cowboy’s Horse – Part 3 – Carving the Legs & Glue-Up

At last!  Sorry for the long delay but the Dayton show has occupied my time for the past weeks.  Hopefully, with it now behind us we can get back to a more frequent upload schedule.

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In this video we pretty well finish up with the legs and then proceed to glue the two halves together. 

Carving a Cowboy's Horse - Part 2 - Carving The Hoofs

In this one we use the two cutoffs to practice carving a hoof.  Better to make our mistakes on these pieces than on the larger blank.   While the hoofs are the most difficult part of this project, remember you have to carve 4 of them, I think you’ll find that they are really pretty easy to do.   

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I apologize for the long gaps between videos but it’s fall and there are are a ton of leaves to rake and that Dayton show is just a couple weeks away. 

Carving A Cowboy’s Horse –The Video Series - Part 1 – Laying Out The Body

A number of you have ask that we do a Cowboy’s Horse so here we go.  This will probably be a pretty long series of videos stretched over a pretty long period so if you want to follow along you’ll have to have some patience.  The pattern for this horse is in the associated Gallery album.

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This first video will show you how to lay out the body and cut out the first blank.  By clicking on “Horses” over on the right hand list will allow you to see the photographic series I did earlier.  Lots of material there. 

Like before, let me know what you think so I can tune the series to meet your needs.   Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

The Renegade

Well, here's one I completely forgot about! Probably one of my best horses too....certainly the paint job. I didn't feel an actual rider was necessary as by seeing his hat on the ground you can let your imagination figure out what happened to him.

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More photos in the Gallery and comments always welcome.