Green Man in North Dakota Bark

Found this Green Man hiding in a large piece of cottonwood bark from North Dakota. This is a nice solid piece of bark 5" wide and 3" thick. I start all bark carvings the same way, removing loose material where I plan to carve. I leave a natural area on both ends. Most of my carvings develop as I carve. I start with an idea and follow the wood where it takes me. I paint the eyes on a few of my bark carvings, mostly green men. It really makes the carving come to life. This carving was finished with water based polyurethane and it really shows off the beautiful grain. Thanks for following along!