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.