Stylized Bottlenose Dolphin WIP

[Claude]

Re: Stylized Bottlenose Dolphin WIP

Hi, Patrick.
Personally, I'd like to see it with a semi-gloss finish. I think the wood grain would show up better that way. But...try it on a scrap piece first, as I'd hate to have the beautiful carving ruined because of a suggestion on my part...

Claude

[Inadv]

Re: Stylized Bottlenose Dolphin WIP

Patrick,

You done yourself proud there. Great carving and the finish is just enough to bring out the beauty of the butternut without overpowering it. Congratulations! I have found stain to be the biggest snitch there ever was! It seems to highlight even the slightest of flaws in the wood. Even a totally perfect glue line will jump right on out there with a little stain on it.

I'm looking forward to seeing the other dolphin finished too.

L.P.

[Patrick]

Re: Stylized Bottlenose Dolphin WIP

Claude and Larry, thanks very much for your input.

I purchased some clear lacquer semi-gloss in a rattle can today and will test it on my stained practice piece before spraying the finished dolphin.

Larry, I’ll get moving on my first dolphin project again.

Thanks again gents.

[Mark Dellinger]

Re: Stylized Bottlenose Dolphin WIP

Patrick,

Really like the look of this. Very nice.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark

[Patrick]

Re: Stylized Bottlenose Dolphin WIP

Mark, thanks for that.

[Patrick]

Re: Finished Stylized Bottlenose Dolphin WIP

After messing about with top coats I finally decided to finish the dolphin with three top coats of Watco Danish Oil. Part of the reason for this maybe due to my becoming captivated by wipe-on wipe-off with cloth applications. Kind of like the look at this point.

By the way, after closer inspection I’ve come to the conclusion that the dark spots that appear on each side of the dolphin in front of the flippers are burr marks that I failed to get completely sanded out. I’ll hang on to this piece if for no other reason than to remind me to be very diligent in finish sanding.

Anyway, here are some photos of the finish. I have enjoyed this project very much and believe I’ve learned some things, hopefully, thanks to you all.

[Claude]

Re: Stylized Bottlenose Dolphin WIP

Nice work, Patrick! I think the finish turned out well - the wood grain is beautiful.

Claude

[Sharon of the Dell]

Re: Stylized Bottlenose Dolphin WIP

Patrick, what an absolutely fabulous piece! just gorgeous!

[rare yellow zebra]

Re: Stylized Bottlenose Dolphin WIP

Patrick,

Your dolphin is lovely, congratulations!

Your first question was about concurrent projects. I always have at least a dozen going at the same time. Some pieces you start and go from a-z and they are done. Other pieces I work on for a bit, then have to put them down and have to ponder where to go next. This process can take years on some pieces. Sometimes I just feel like using a chainsaw, or an angle grinder. One piece started as a duck, but no matter what I did, it just wasn't working, the duck was getting uglier. I stopped fretting over this ugly duck, and it became bowl. I really like having many carving balls in the air...but that's just me.
Jay

[Terry Murphy]

Re: Stylized Bottlenose Dolphin WIP

Beautiful work!

[Patrick]

Re: Stylized Bottlenose Dolphin WIP

I want to thank you all for your suggestions and kindness during this project. It was fun having you all along and sharing your input with me.

All the best to you and your projects which I look forward to following and learning more about this wonderful art of woodcarving that we enjoy so much.

Thanks again.

P.S. Claude, I was just off enjoying your 'Leaping Dolphin' work. What a beautiful piece it is.I think everything about it is grand!