Cascade Finally Finished

[Arthur C.]

Yolli, break through reliefs can be very attractive and fun to carve. Based on what we've seen of your prior work, I think you're end up with a beautiful piece....

[Arthur C.]

Lost rings...Years ago my wife played on a ladies' softball team, and the players were not allowed to wear any jewelry during a game. She had forgotten to remove her wedding ring before leaving home, so her coach put it in his pants pocket. They both forgot about it after the game, so when my wife remembered...

[Arthur C.]

Heal quickly, Chuck! We're rootin' for ya!

[Arthur C.]

Ed, in considering your (fun) options for executing this fun project, maybe the prime consideration should be: What did JuNelle ask for: Does she want a carving of herself on the photo or does she want a work of art?

Respectfully, just food for thought....

[Arthur C.]

Maybe I'm just projecting my feelings and not being objective, but it seems that CNC carvings lack soul...they are obviously CNC and easily spotted. They may be technically well executed, but lack "a certain something" that makes a carving uniquely attractive. It seems like the difference...

[Arthur C.]

Yolli, I'm sure you will do very well! I love relief carving, it was the first carving I did in a novice class and although I've tried all types of carving it remains my favorite. Keep us up to date with your progress pictures.

[Arthur C.]

Thanks, everyone, for your kind words. Since I posted the pictures I've changed the background to a darker finish, garnet shellac, which makes a better contrast with the carving.

[Arthur C.]

Phil's point should not be overlooked amidst the discussion of brands. Look at some of the extraordinary carving done in third world countries with very primitive and limited tools. Quality tools are important, but knowledge of the wood and the craft are even more critical to good results.

[Arthur C.]

I don't have any Beavercraft, and I use gouges much more than knives, but I really like Flexcraft palm gouges.

[Arthur C.]

Finish is an off white chalk paint with a final spray coat of matte poly. It has four layers, but parts intrude into more than one layer. I'm going to change the background to something darker to get more contrast....

[Arthur C.]

Ed. that's a great approach! I had to read it twice, but then I understood. Love the idea, I think I'll use that too when the occasion presents itself. I'm sure your friend will be delighted!...

[Arthur C.]

Well, after working on this cascade off and on for five months, it's finally done. It turned out to be a real challenge. Measures 15" x 9" x 3" exclusive of the background mounting. Basswood finished in an off white chalk paint with top of matte poly, mounted on a birch panel.
...

[Arthur C.]

Glenn: "Something simple that works"...man, I wish! I get so tired of calling on the younger generations to bail me out, even though they are very patient...then I forget what to do when the problem eventually comes up again! Makes me feel stupid...technology is great when it works, but it's...

[Arthur C.]

I might be stating the obvious, but sometimes you just can't hide a repair like that. Best just to incorporate the problem area into the design, maybe cutting away some wood to make the void flow gracefully.

[Arthur C.]

It's not a question of "Better", it's a question of what works for you. I like to leave faces for last, as the attitude of the body helps guide me in seeing what I want out of the facial characteristics. Again, simply a personal preference.

Ed's points are well taken, and if I...

[Arthur C.]

Well done, TJ! I carved that same piece back in 2013, as a matter of fact I carved it twice because my daughter-in-law loved it. It's a fun little carve, and you did it justice. Displays well, too.

[Arthur C.]

Merle, those are all beautiful. The contrast really makes it pop. Well done!

[Arthur C.]

Ah, mosaics! They can be beautifully done. Dang it, now you've made me think I want to try another art form! I think I've about reached my limit, though, so I'll resist the temptation....

[Arthur C.]

That does make the next day a drag. You might try taking melatonin before bedtime is that's a regular occurrence.

[Arthur C.]

Good one, Herb! Sure to be appreciated.