Old Maritime B/W photos

[squbrigg]

I ran across some old photographs on line, of old "sea captains" or sailors, Black and White photos of old salts, weathered faces, sou'westers or cloth caps, and found inspiration in them to practice some interesting faces to carve, for busts. I have tried a couple in various sizes/scales, and woods. Butternut is my favorite wood to carve, but the latest I'm carving in Basswood. I've burned some and a touch of acrylic paint for the eyes, but haven't applied any oil yet. The Basswood one I'll probably have to experiment with some paint mixed in with the oil, but we'll see. I find inspiration in the strangest places.

Bob

old skipper.jpg schooner captain.jpg in progress.jpg

[Spiritwolfe]

I really like the way the eyes match the hats.
Your carvings have real artistic appeal to them and I LOVE the hats. Nicely done

[DiLeon]

Wow! outstanding....I love seeing things that work that no one else has made! Awesome job Bob!!!

[Bob K.]

Very cool stuff, Bob!

[Tinwood]

Two thumbs up Bob. Those aren't very large are they? Maybe 2-3 inches in height?

Tinwood

[Soggy]

Nice Bob!; one of them looks like Great Grandfather; he used to sail on a salt banker out of Luenburg in the early 1900's
Wayne

[Nomad]

Those are super! Very unique.

[joepaulbutler]

Like them, well done. What was your inspiration to carve these gentlemen?

[Merle Rice]

Hi Bob, Your Inspiration is showing in your work. All 3 pieces are well done. Merle

[squbrigg]

Thank you all for your kind remarks. JoeB ... the inspiration is in the sea and all things related to them. Those old B/W photos can really take you back to the days of wooden ships and iron men.

Bob

[sappy]

Have you ever heard Harry Chapin's song "Salt and Pepper"? That was the first thing that come to my mind. If you haven't heard it, see if you can find it. Great carvings!

[JJF]