The Peaceable Kingdom

[Arthur C.]

Fun piece, Anders!...

[Arthur C.]

This is my mezzo (mid-depth) relief carving rendition of a painting by an unidentified artist, obviously in a naïve style, an interpretation of Isaiah 11:6-7. It's on a 13 x 18 x 1 inch basswood slab. The finish treatment is garnet shellac, acrylics, and two shades of chalk paint with one sponged over...

[Arthur C.]

Awe inspiring! Thanks for letting us come along for the ride.

[Arthur C.]

Phil, you might carve the foreground separately and attach to the body of the carving...that's a lot of perspective to carve into 1.25". I'm considering doing that in carving a French Quarter courtyard scene that's on my agenda next, still sketching it out.

[Arthur C.]

Well today, Saturday, the weatherman says "feels like 108 degrees," but after a certain point it doesn't feel any different if it feels like 100 or 108...you can't breathe in either case with the humidity.

Randy, I think you're right, we may have to scratch the snow today. :r...

[Arthur C.]

Finally got a rain-free day...so far...in a July that's breaking records for rainfall going back to the late 1800s when they started recording it. Heat advisory out today, though, with a "feels like" predicted of 103 degrees. Walked Charlie, my four legged best buddy, early but his next one...

[Arthur C.]

Those are great tools!

[Arthur C.]

Great news, Herb!

[Arthur C.]

Re Beaver Tools, see Alexander Grabovetskiy's YouTube "I did not think I am going to say it - [Beaver Craft Wood carving tools]" for good first hand information from a real professional.

[Arthur C.]

If you need a piece specifically that size it would call for a glue up for me. Lumberyard basswood may not be northern grown, carveable quality.

[Arthur C.]

Of course the "middle way", if you're into Zen, would be to make it a mixed media piece of art, with the antennae and legs out of wire. Personally, I think that would be magnificent, but wow, what a challenge to carve! If you could pull that off you're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!

[Arthur C.]

I'd go over what you have with a brass bristle brush, if you want to try to salvage this one.

[Arthur C.]

Well done, Phil! Sometimes a piece of art has to marinate a while before it's truly finished.

[Arthur C.]

Heck, I don't need to go that far back to be humbled...I can get that right here!

[Arthur C.]

I bought this book online some time ago...just perusing the projects made my head hurt. Not my cup of tea, too much thinking involved. I gave it to my carver brother. However, I must say the projects are very good for those so inclined....

[Arthur C.]

Have to disagree with you, Steve. I've used Loess and Heinecke and find them to be equally fine carving wood. My last two orders have been from Loess (first was because H. no longer sells bark-on), and I am currently carving Loess basswood. I find it entirely satisfactory and substantially less expensive,...

[Arthur C.]

Great project, Joe. I know they will cherish the plaque...so much nicer than a purchased gift.