Carving a Happy Santa in Cottonwood Bark

This cottonwood bark can be addictive. This one was a lot of fun to carve. I don't like to paint my carvings, I prefer a natural finish so the grain will show. However, Christmas is one exception. When I do want to add color, I first seal the carving with a light coat of lacquer. I use a 'wash' of color by thinning acrylic paint with water, this still allows for some of the grain to show. I apply a couple light coats of lacquer over the carved area. I prefer this look. I think using a lot of paint creates a plastic or ceramic look, and after all this is wood!

.pai