Black Friday Carving

I finished this guy I call “Deep Sleep”. I tried to pay more attention to the detail in the neck for more realism. I used a pic to help.

I did end up winning the blue ribbon and white (1st and 3rd) at the Bedford Arts show in the sculpting/ceramic/glass catagory. I was pleasanlty surprised that the “Four Face” won the Blue. The Chief took 3rd. I think the amazing grain in the wood that popped when I applied the finished sort of washed out the detail.

I had a lot of Christmas carving plans and it’s black Friday already. I will enjoy doing my best. It’s all fun and I don’t put pressure on myself that would steal the joy of carving.

Make time to create. TV is all the same, screens get old, and creating in whatever medium you enjoy, art, music, drawing, painting, carving, ceramics, scuplting, pyrography, is better for you heart, mood, and emotions than you know. I have found, that once I get out to the shop and get started, I never regret it. Getting started is the challenge. Keep creating friends.

2019 Bedford Arts Show, Temperance, mI

I put 3 carvings in the art show this year. I dropped them off today. I have been working on them on and off for the last few months, the last several months for the chief. The piece I call “Four Face” was carved out of cottonwood bark gifted to me from the great carver Alec Lacasse . He has been a great help to me, as teacher, coach, and friend. I’ll let you know if a nab a ribbon or not.

Entered into Art Show

Four Face

Guy in butternut from the 40’s with ears.

I’m not quite done with this guy. I have been avoiding him because I have not detailed ears much. A carver messaged me on instagram encouraging me to do ears. I did them and now I know I can do full busts with ears. They are tricky and I have more practice to go to perfect them. Butternut is a trick wood, as the grain chips. I love the look. I’ll be finishing this and will post the final pics.

Revived a deserted project

I had given up on this face a few years ago. Even tested some paint on it.  Well, I pull it out last weekend and redid it and was pretty glad I did not throw him in the fire.

Woodsculpting from a Pic.

I tried to carve from a picture as I am learning. It was a challenge, but turned out pretty good.  My guy appears younger than the pic.

Young man in cottonwood bark

This guys was fun. I loved the way his hair ended up.  I did not plan it this way but some times things are revealed and work out as the art progress.

Gifted the Seaman to my brother Mark

Seaman

My brother Mark was over and he is retired from the United States Coast Guard.  My Sailor carving was perfect for him.  They both have a beard and all, had it been winter, the hats would have matched too!  Great spending some time together.  He loved it and that bring me joy when the gift bring joy!!

Some woodcarving Pics

My amazing daughter came for a visit and took some pics while I worked. Her photography is amazing. (Here’s the link to her website).  I love her and her work and she always encourages me in my art.

Back in the Shop

After a little  of no carving through Christmas. I spent some time in the shop. I finished like a couple gifts  for Christmas.  Here are a few of the pieces I finished.

My latest 2 finished

The carving on the left was one of my better faces especially the nose and below the mouth.  He is a pretty stern looking dude.

My next project I tried to carve from picture of this actor. I have had the pic awhile and always looked at it. I finally decided to give it a try.  My son says I should do it like 5 times and see the improvement and the observations I would gain.  I may.  I see many things I missed as I study it.   But it was still an enjoyable project nonetheless.  I am getting low on bark so need to put an order in for the winter carving.  I may have more time as no yard work and I won’t be able to walk or ride mountain bike.  Carving on .

I am not sure if I will put this on my Etsy store. Here is a link to that. Click here