Tell Me What You Think!!

[Ron Davidson]

Here the Wolf relief that I am working on again. You guys are probably getting tired of me showing and asking. I stained the background and also shaved some off the belly and the back and hind quarters. The tail I tried to make more bushy by carving heavier hair lines I don't know if it worked or not. I thought about staining the wolf itself a lighter color like golden oak. What do you think. Remember that I can't see it all but a small portion at a time so I can't tell. Thanks for your help.
Ron

[Ashbys]

Re: Tell Me What You Think!!

Ron,
That carving would be excellent for any carver. Very well done !

Garry

[Kenny_S]

Re: Tell Me What You Think!!

Well done my friend. Never get tired looking at yor carvings.

[Ron Davidson]

Re: Tell Me What You Think!!

Ash & Kenny what do you think about staining the wolf a lighter color? Or anyone else have an opinion.
Ron

[Bartster]

Re: Tell Me What You Think!!

Well Done Ron, I Think Staining The Wolf Would Be A Good Contrast To The Darker Background, But I Would Not Go To Light.

Bart

[Ashbys]

Re: Tell Me What You Think!!

Ron,

If you wish to stain it , I would look to a gray/brownish color. If your trying to pronounce the wolf then you need to give it the color of the wolf.

As long as you have done the background , the rest of the carving stands out and you have some excellent shadows. If you use a dark tone stain your going to lose some of the detail because some of the shadows will hide.

If you give the wolf a seperation by using a stain on him , if it is not a natural color to the wolf , it could be assumed to be a dog.

Personally , with the work you have done so far, I think you could use just an antique finsh danish oil, which would make the shadows stand out more increasing the depth, and bring the grain forward.

If I were to color it I would leave the wolf natural and tone the background trees which would make the wolf pop even more than he does.

Just my opinion Ron,

Ash

[squbrigg]

Re: Tell Me What You Think!!

Well done Ron. As for staining or colour, you have a wide range of colours that a wolf can be, so the challenge is yours. How do you want to portray him/her? Do you want the wolf to blend in with the trees, or stand out destinct? You can darken the trees considerable by colour or burning, and leave the wolf lighter?

Some wolves will be almost Black in colouration, some very light grey, almost white, and many a mix of sand and gray. Wolves don't have a colour scheme or consistant markings, like a Siberian Husky for instance, or a Red Fox. You might try burning some fur into it, but I'm not sure what you can see for detail, so you'll have to gauge that yourself.

Good work on it so far Ron.

Bob

[Kenny_S]

Re: Tell Me What You Think!!

I agree with ASh but it would make that wolf "Pop" out more. Just stain it enough for it to pop out and not dark, Your very background make the rest pop out a little and then the wolf being stained, that would really give it a deeper effect for sure. JMHO!

[wade clark]

Re: Tell Me What You Think!!

Ron,
You should put a little more wood on the belly, the back and maybe the hind quarters, maybe make his tail longer too. Just kidding! He's incredible! A touch of contrasting stain won't hurt, but keep it gentle variations so that it looks like the colors were in the wood and you brought them out in your carving.
Wonderful work!
Wade

[Thomp]

Re: Tell Me What You Think!!

Ron,
i took the first attached image into psp to see if i could improve on color scheme,

perceiving the carving a moonlight scene,

i was thinking almost dark as deep indigo blue background silver moon and smoke grey clouds, the silver of the moon highlighting all the edges facing towards it, some undertones of silver black and grey on the wolf to put the classic wolf shades in place, but when i got done it looked bad!!!

my first impression of the wolf was that the main looked too bulky, like a scarf so i googled up some wolf pictures and understood the main bulk, we are use to seeing dogs, wolves are different than German shepherds, they do have bulky collars,,,

all considered i dont see any flys on that carving... keep up the good work

you are going to wash the trees and needles of the pines with a little color arnt you??

[Thor]

Re: Tell Me What You Think!!

Ron, that's the best carving I have seen you do so far. Wonderful work.
Thor

[Ron Davidson]

Re: Tell Me What You Think!!

Ii tried to do a greenish wash on some trees and they said it looked bad. I carved some trees out on some scrap and tried it but several people said it didn't look right. So I tried natural danish oil and golden oak stain and golden oak danish oil also and they all agreed that the natural was the best way to go. They thought it brought out the grain and texture the best. So I am going that route and will post pictures when finished. Thanks everyone for their comments and support.This not being able to see the whole thing stinks! I am carving on the lumber jack right now while the finish dries but need more knives I sent a bunch to Rick for sharpening.

[santagibbs]

Re: Tell Me What You Think!!

Ron, I think it is a very nice carving. and I liked the golden oak for the wolf..The picture itself, brings a feeling out of the wood that you are trying to create. You have captured the feeling of the wolf in the wilderness.. I am sure your ideas of painting will be as creative also.. Than's for showing it.. Charlotte