Carving bear head in the round

[SailorCarving]

I am starting a life sized carving of a bear head and am planning on carving with the grain as the nose tapers to end grain and it seems like a natural flow. Any references I have seen (generally chainsaw carvers) seem to be working aross the grain to bring the face out. Any advice?

[Randy]

If you are using a wood with notable grain lines carve with the grain lines running vertical it is generally more favorable to for face and snout. When doing the hair the grain will add to the overall look of the shape of the face. if the grain lines are running horizontally they will be in competition with the natural shape giving the carving a striped look . This is butternut bear walking stick topper you can see the grain competes with the flow of the hair rather than adding to it. And I have not put on the finish yet which will make it more noticeable. I wiil finish it but not happy . I Know better. I may apply a ebony stain to lesson the contrast between the light and dark grain stripes. Or redo the fir with the wood burner.

IMG_0325.jpg

[SailorCarving]

Thank you, Randy. Nice looking bear.

[SailorCarving]

I should have added that the carving will be painted and my initial thinking was that there would be more strength to it f I went with the grain.

[SailorCarving]

Here is the finished project.

[Tinwood]

That worked out well! Nice job.

Tinwood

[Brian T]

That has a real Polar Bear look to it. From the forehead to the nose, each of our bears is really different. You got it.

[SailorCarving]

Many thanks.

[lhow2000]

Awesome looking polar bear, well done.

[drhandrich]

you nailed it.. awesome! and such a great place to mount it too.

[Claude]

I was thinking the same as Brian - that's a great polar bear head!

Claude

[woodburner807]

Sure a nice carving and fine placement.