Hopi Maiden

I've always wanted to do a lady from this tribe and after taking in the Santa Fe Indian Market earlier this month I was able to come up with the necessary research to start the project.

The hairstyle is what sets off the piece. It's know as a Squash Blossom.  If your a Star Wars fan you'll note that Princess Leia also put her hair up this way.   You will also note from the photo that I've left the eyes closed.  Haven't decided whether to open them up or not.  I kind of like it this way.  She'll be wrapped in a Hudson Bay Blanket, probably red and there will be a little Turquoise in the final mix.  Should be a colorful piece.

Hope you like her so far and there are a couple more photos in the Gallery and your comments are appreciated and welcomed.

Lizzie Bear Foot - Finished

With the visitors and the turkey just a fond memory, I was finally able to set down and finish Lizzie.  I think she turned out pretty well.  Certainly like the new fur texture over the old.  One little trick I tried this time was to put a small drop or dollop of epoxy on the hanging beads with really bring them to life over just paint alone.  You can see it in the close ups.
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Still trying to come up with a new video project that will appeal to a wider audience maybe than just Cowboys & Indians.  Don't mind drifting off those subjects once in a while but don't like to stray too far.  Have gotten lots of requests for a Cowboy Santa but that subject has been way to overdone already.  Any suggestion?
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Anyway, hope you like the lady and there are more photos in the Gallery.

Lizzie Bear Foot

As I mentioned earlier, while in Dayton I hoped to set down with Jim Willis to get some instruction on creating fur.  Here's a short video I made while Jim did all the work.  Sorry about all the noise in the background but the show was a big one with lots of people.   Also,  take a moment to visit Jim's website to see some excellent work.  He’s one of the best!  Here's that link:  www.wildlife-woodcarver.com. 

The Dayton Artistry In Wood Show

Please don't go by the expression on my face about how I really feel about this award...the photo was taken while I was still recovering from the shock of receiving it!   What an honor.   You can bet that plaque will occupy the most prominent and highest place on my Gallery wall!  Wow!
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We had a great show this year as did most who attended.  According to the hosts attendance was close to 3000 the first day and while it was down on Sunday it was still pretty crowded in there.  I managed to win a few ribbons and sell a few carvings but that little piece of wood I'm holding over there made the whole trip worthwhile.

Lizzie Bear Foot

Here is one I wanted to get finished but not painted before the Dayton show  so I could hopefully pick up some tips on making realistic fur.  Jim Willis will be there and he is one of the best at carving animals and has agreed to help me out.  Really looking forward to it as I think I need to improve in that area.
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This piece is a little more realistic than my normal caricatures as I wanted to see what my normal carving techniques would look like when applied to that  type of figure.  I think she looks pretty good.  When finished she will have an Elks tooth decorated dress along with the beaded strips which haven't been burned yet.  She stands about 17 to 18 inches to the tip of her feather. Will also be quite a bit of painting and detail work on her so she should be a pretty striking figure.
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There are a few more photos in the Gallery and your comments are welcome as always.

The Painted Lady

I really like the way this one turned out.  The female has always been a problem for me but this little lady just might set the example that I will follow in the future.  A number of you have ask that I do a video on her but I haven't reached the confidence level necessary for that yet.  Someday.
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The eyes are just a black dot of paint with a little white added on each side.  I also outlined the upper eyelid with a very thin black line and the directly above that a darker shade of flesh.
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Anyway, I hope you like her.  More photos in the Gallery and your comments are appreciated.

The Mayor's Wife

You're probably wondering why a nice looking dame like this is married to that fat old fart of a Mayor.  Well, if you knew the amount of money he's purloined  away from the honest citizens of the town of Big Thicket during his 15 years in office you'd understand.
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I've got to say that this one really turned out nice.  I wanted to give her a delicate look and I think she does just that.  The eyes are only penciled in as I think to carve them would detract from the smoothness of the piece.  Maybe not, but we'll see once she's painted.   I made the feathers out of aluminum flashing as I wanted them thin as if carved they'd have to be thick for strength and that would make it just look to heavy.  There is not much definition to them now as they're only sprayed with primer but when I paint them I'll try and flesh them out a bit.  As for colors I'm thinking purple & white for the dress with a matching hat with a big red rose.
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Hope you like her and your comments are welcome.  More photos in the Gallery.