Female Face from Janet Cordell Zoom class

[mpounders]

Finished this from a Zoom class with Janet that I took over the last month. I think it is as finished as it's going to get. Thanks for looking!

[Nebraska]

Another beautiful carving Mike, eyes and mouth particularly well done.

[Merle Rice]

Hi Mike , Money well spent and I think you came out Head of the Class . Merle

[woodburner807]

Excellent work Mike and curious about the finish. Fine contrasts.

[pallin]

You must feel really pleased with this class project, Mike.

[Randy]

Outstanding Mike. Beautiful carving.

[uvawyo]

Excellent!!!

[mpounders]

Excellent work Mike and curious about the finish. Fine contrasts.

During the class, Janet mentioned several times about how white the wood appeared (I'm attaching another photo to show what it looked like without a finish). But part of how I finish and paint some of my carvings includes spraying the entire carving to see what they will look like when I apply a finish. Spraying this piece with water showed a lot more grain than expected, so I wanted to finish it in a way to let that show. Here's a spoiler: I did use some very very light washes of brown and black to darken the pupils and other deep crevices. My intent when I do this is that you will not be able to tell that it was painted, so it is very lightly done. Then I brushed on a couple of coats of BLO thinned with mineral oil, letting it dry a couple of days between each coat. And then finally, I sprayed it with a couple of coats of Deft satin lacquer. The grain is still pretty subtle, but I like how it turned out.

[JJF]

it's really a good job, well done

[woodburner807]

During the class, Janet mentioned several times about how white the wood appeared (I'm attaching another photo to show what it looked like without a finish). But part of how I finish and paint some of my carvings includes spraying the entire carving to see what they will look like when I apply a finish. Spraying this piece with water showed a lot more grain than expected, so I wanted to finish it in a way to let that show. Here's a spoiler: I did use some very very light washes of brown and black to darken the pupils and other deep crevices. My intent when I do this is that you will not be able to tell that it was painted, so it is very lightly done. Then I brushed on a couple of coats of BLO thinned with mineral oil, letting it dry a couple of days between each coat. And then finally, I sprayed it with a couple of coats of Deft satin lacquer. The grain is still pretty subtle, but I like how it turned out.

Thanks, Mike, and the darkened areas sure make a large difference and really like the contrast. I thought there had to be some "enhancement" to get that fantastic look. Your approach worked great.

[joepaulbutler]

There is no doubt about it, Mike, you have a very talented set of knives. I can't remember who used to say it, but Marvelous Baby Marvelous. Kind of corny, but the carving & shading takes it to the head of the class

[squbrigg]

Beautiful work Mike. Great to see you are expanding from your comfort zone, something we all should do.
Bob

[Claude]

Beautiful work, Mike!

Claude

[Mark N. Akers]

Very nice Mike,well done.

[Glenn Jennings]

Hi Mike,
A very very fine piece of work. Fantastic job.