Another female nude

[LeeF]

Hi all
I'm not 100% sure if this is okay for this forum, (so moderators please feel free to censor this post if it's not appropriate), but my previous carvings didn't provoke a storm of outrage so I'm hoping that the artistic content outweighs any offended sensibilities?

I decided to try something different for me. All my previous carvings have been in the round but I came across a photograph on pinterest of a nude woman standing in a window where I thought the pose was particularly nicely done. With only this one photograph to work from I decided to do only half of the carving, then frame it to represent the window and allow it to be hung on a wall. I also wanted to do something a little bigger than I'd done previously so needed to join two of largest blocks of lime I could obtain in Europe to make the body, (the finished frame is 92cm or 36" tall).

I'm not totally happy with the finished result, (is anybody ever?), I would definitely have preferred it if the joins between the different blocks were less visible. Anyway I've attached images of the process from start to finish, (a little over 2 weeks), and would very much like to hear your opinions.

[Sammy66]

You created a stunning work of art. (And I completely admire your courage to try something larger and different!) And while it does not greatly affect the integrity of your piece, the size of her ear and its placement seems off. Ears are my own personal nightmare, so it's possible I simply focus on them more.

[LeeF]

I think you're right Sammy, I foolishly did it by eye, rather than drawing it first. It's the first time I've carved an ear and unless I start carving elephants in the future then I definitely need to make them smaller

[JJF]

very nice work

[Brian T]

I think you brought it off. The window frame is a nice design element = hard and straight with the contrast to the body curves.
The ear is odd as you say.
Thank you for the process pictures, particularly the use of the small glue-ups.
Also, I believe that most viewers will recognize the glue lines and then promptly ignore them for the greater form.

[Bob K.]

You pulled it off very well. The body has soft curves, is well proportioned and pleasing to the eye. As mentioned, the only flaw that I can see is the size and placement of the ear. The ear should be smaller, especially for a woman, and it's placement should be closer to the middle of the head. This feature will probably not even be noticed by the majority of average viewers. A most excellent job otherwise.

[Arthur C.]

I agree with the foregoing comments. You are a talented carver.

[Tinwood]

I'm going to hazard a guess here and say that the average individual that sees your beautiful piece of artwork is never going to notice any flaws and just remain captivated by the overall work. Well done.

Tinwood

[Eddy-Smiles]

Very artistic! But her "fig leaf" fell off!

[Merle Rice]

Definitely work of an Artist, Beautiful. Merle

[Sammy66]

I don't think the majority of people will even notice the ear. Since I have such a hideous time trying to carve ears, I look for them on other carvings! lol It really does not diminish the beauty of your piece at all. (My carvings tend to mostly have hair covering their ears because I either mess them up or whack them off!)

[drhandrich]

look around on a crowded place, you will find others with ears that size also. not unusual. great work on the carve and thanks for the complete collection of wip pictures

[squbrigg]

Nicely done, your proportions are coming along, just keep up the good work and you'll get to where you want to be.

Bob

[JoeVM]

Very nice.

[Claude]

Excellent work! I agree with the comments about the ear placement. The overall carving, though, is great!

Claude