Another easy and nice project from Vladimir

[woodburner807]

The loss of pets is extremely difficult to accept and I know this very, very, well. So it is great what you are carving and your piece looks excellent. I'm sure all will be made happy and appreciative. Glad you can do it for her and something to cherish.

Don't forget to sign and date...

[woodburner807]

Welcome, Bob. I'm a carver of small caricature carvings, so no input on the larger ones but glad you're returning to carving!

[woodburner807]

Enjoying the progress, JJ.

[woodburner807]

I never had any problems putting BLO over dried acrylics and know of numerous others without problems. I like the antique look it creates...

[woodburner807]

We are in a pocket of Myrtle wood but haven't seen any madrone nearby. My wife has spotted some and I'll look at harvesting a few pieces and check the carving properties out.

Nice suggestion, Lionslair, and thanks.

[woodburner807]

I empathize, Merle. If the spark of motivation leaves a work, I just table it for a while, return, and if still no desire the trash gets it.

[woodburner807]

My experience shows it isn't worth worrying about it very much because the small guy can't afford the legal fees necessary to address copyright violations. Violations often come up on my writing forums, art painting forums, wood-burning forums, etc. You need deep pockets to pursue any legal action....

[woodburner807]

We are located on the Oregon Coast and haven't found any around here yet, however, we do visit our daughter in Washington and might try up there....

[woodburner807]

Vladimir has a new video and it looks like a nice and easy project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e2mrpC4784

[woodburner807]

First I'm jealous, Ed. Can't find any Aspen around here...just alder and pine. You seem to have the drying issues solved and appreciate you sharing those.

[woodburner807]

No doubt you have captured the personalities, Bob. Hard to select a favorite but I think the one ready to pounce is the one.

[woodburner807]

Welcome Saltamontes and this is a great forum and many Canadian carvers here also. They might give you a good idea for basswood sources.

For learning, Doug Linker and Gene Messer are great (Youtube). In addition, a new Ukraine carver, Vladimir, has a Youtube channel. Of course, there are...

[woodburner807]

Great carving, Steve. It has an almost "human" look to the face and yes, the eyes are great, but the lips also pop out. Nice and appropriate details. It would look nice hanging just about anywhere.

[woodburner807]

I got Gene's video last night but haven't watched it yet, just the very beginning. I like your version and might just follow your footsteps, Rontana.

[woodburner807]

A nice-looking fellow there, Rontana. This one I have to try myself.

[woodburner807]

I use BLO and raw umber oil mixture after I paint and usually paint with a wash.

[woodburner807]

My view of carving is it to be fun, relaxing, and removal from stress all around us. There are all types of carvings from "artistic," flat plane, caricature, relief, chainsaw, etc. Find a niche that you really enjoy and it will be fun and you aren't critical of your work product. Just do...

[woodburner807]

Nice looking bear and sure it will be appreciated, Rontana. Always fun making things for the grandkids. Excellent recovery from a penguin "happy accident."

Owl also looks nice and sure the girl will be appreciative. BTW, I know nothing about Harry Potter...what is the symbology...

[woodburner807]

Excellent flat plane Scandanavian replica of Refsal's work. I love the style and still trying to learn it.

[woodburner807]

Very nice piece, Mike and practical at that. It does generate thoughts of doing something like that....