First relief carving. Any feedback?

[PGrobauer]

Hey guys!
I'm working on my first relief carving. I must say I'm quite happy with it so far.
Is there anything I'm doing wrong? Any tips you can share?

The wood I'm using is from a crafts store and is super soft. Almost too soft. I assume it's some type of basswood.

[C-wade7]

I’m not a relief carver but it looks like you’re off to a great start. It does appear to be live edged basswood which seems to be the standard.

[grandpajim]

you're off to a very good start. i like your subject matter as well. I've had some success with defining the deepest areas first, then highlighting the highest point. After that everything is relative to the two extremes.

good luck and please post the final product.

Jim

[pallin]

The basswood blanks from craft stores are often dry, but this can be improved by spraying with a 50/50 mixture of alcohol & water. The challenge of relief carving is finding the depth of various parts. The area of the eye & beak of the eagle are probably at the surface of the wood. Depending on the overall thickness of the wood, other parts will be below that level. The beak and head should have some shape (curvature). The beak can be emphasized by undercutting the edges.

Here is my first relief carving - mahogany - my girlfriend's dachshund - 75 years ago.

135.jpg

[PGrobauer]

Appreciate the responses.
I'll try to undercut the beak a little more to make it more defined. The head I haven't started yet, but I'll definitely keep that in mind and will try to give it rounder shape.

[woodburner807]

Sure looks like nice work...but I'm not a relief carver.

[Steev]

A piece of wisdom from Chris Pye, leave undercutting until the last. I think you may want to drop the background deeper to give more depth to have some rounding of the shape of the head.

[Claude]

Off to a good start. Lora Irish has some great tips in this tutorial about the various levels of the carving and undercutting. https://forum.woodcarvingillustrated...goose-tutorial

Claude

[PGrobauer]

A piece of wisdom from Chris Pye, leave undercutting until the last. I think you may want to drop the background deeper to give more depth to have some rounding of the shape of the head.

I wasn't sure if I have to drop it more, but you might be right. I've read many times that if you think you already carved deep enough, carve deeper and it's going to look even better.
I need to learn not to rush things and really take the time each carving deserves.

[uvawyo]

My goodness it looks like it will be beautiful.

[yolli]

This will become good...just go on ( did not do reliefcarving myself, sorry cannot give you helps)

[Arthur C.]

Go deeper...with the amount of surrounding wood that you'll have, I'd take it down to 1/4" thickness around the head. Round the head, take the head down enough to allow the beak to stand out. When substantially through, then undercut to create shadow and depth. Enjoy, you're off to a good start.

[PGrobauer]

Hey guys,
Appreciate the feedback! I tried to go a little deeper, but I think it still needs a little more.
However, I'm extremely happy with how it turned out for it being my first ever relief carving. I'll try to carve deeper with my next carving.
Here is the final result:

[yolli]

You really can be happy

[Arthur C.]

Nice work! Keep it up!