Self-isolation

I hope everyone is safe and well during this Global pandemic. I'm staying busy with yard work and getting the vegetable garden going for the season. Of course I've also been carving a lot of cottonwood bark. So I thought I'd share the pieces I've been working on since 'Rona came to town. Thanks for following. Take care of yourself, make sure you get outside get some fresh air, take a walk or just relax. Try not to stress we're going to get through this together.

Brothers

I've had this large piece of North Dakota Cottonwood bark for a couple of years, I finally decided to see who was trapped inside. It measures 28" in length, 3 1/2"-4 1/2" wide and 3" thick. When I start a new project I plan to take step by step photos and show the process of creating a carving. Usually once I start carving, I get in the zone and forget. That's the case with the Native American. I pretty much had him roughed in before taking the first photo. I was more aware with the mountain man, and probably took too many photos. But hopefully these will help some of you, just getting started with carving, understand the process. I start by roughing in the basic shapes, paying attention to height, width, depth, position and bone structure. I'll then refine the areas of the carving shaping the nose, eyes, mouth etc. I work over the entire carving, not completing one area. I want to be able to adjust the carving if needed. Finally adding the details, this is the fun part. Don't rush into detailing, make sure the carving is in proper proportion. I detail the eyes last, that is when the carving comes to life. This piece is titled "Brothers".

Green Man for Christmas

Another Christmas carving. Carved this green-eyed Green Man from a 22 inch long piece of North Dakota cottonwood bark. He's a Christmas gift for my father in-law.

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!