The MAGNIFICENT SEVEN represent the first of a beginning series of Whittle Poke Busts. Each is carved only with a knife using a one and half inch square by three inch tall block of basswood. A natural finish of artist oil Raw Sienna paint mixed with boiled linseed oil brings each carving to life with a soft glow that shows off the texture of the carving cuts. Texture is color easily seen through a natural finish. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by: woodbeecarver in General
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(For information only as this is past history)
A WHITTLE POKE BUST class will be taught by Don Mertz at the Woodcraft Store on Saturday, May 15, 2010. The class runs from 9:00 A.M. til 4:00 P.M. at the Woodcraft Store, Cross Point Center, 175 E. Alex-Bell Road, Dayton, 45459 (937-438-1282) The cost is $75 and more information and registration can be made by calling 937-438-1282 at the Woodcraft Store.
WHITTLE POKE BUSTS are carved using only a knife out of a one and half inch square by three inch tall block of basswood. The photographs above are examples of subjects that can be carved in this one day class.
Don Mertz will also be teaching at the WAG School of Woodcarving http://wagcarvingschool.com/default.aspx April 30 and May 1 and 2, 2010
Posted by: woodbeecarver in General
WHAT IS IT? These wooden spirals were created during the carving process. They were created as a trail of chips from a V tool carving a groove across the grain of a basswood block. Much like the action of a curling shavings produced while planing with a carpenter’s plane, these spirals have created their own unique artistic design.
As a student in a class taught by Bruce Henn, I carved a Sombrero Guy using one of Bruce’s rough outs putting my own interpretation of what was inside the rough out. Every carving project is a learning experience with challenges and new paths to follow. That is one advantage of taking a class in that one learns not only from the instructor but also from the camaraderie of fellow students and the carving process. There was plenty of wood within this rough out for me to turn the head slightly, thin the face and add the bandoleer across the chest of the Sombrero Guy. Read the rest of this entry »
TOM TROLL came about from my good friend Don Stephenson who gave me a drawing of a troll. Don is a creative artist who comes up with delightful drawings from his imaginative mind and artistic ability. He has given me a lot of good idea drawings for carving projects that will surely come to life as a carving. Trolls are imaginary creatures who are more lovable than scary although like humans some trolls stray from their nobler purposes. Trolls may be ugly but ugly is beautiful if one takes the time to see the beauty. Trolls may be thick skulled but slowness of mind understands the simple. Often it is the simple who are the wisest and beauty is an inner quality. Read the rest of this entry »
Don Ward of Middletown, Ohio received a Caricature Carvers of America Merit Award on March 6 at the Miami Valley Woodcarving Show. The Merit Award is being presented by CCA members Bruce Henn and Don Mertz in recognition of Don Ward excelling in the art of Caricature Carving.
Don has been a long time member of the Miami Valley Wood Carvers and actively promoting and encouraging woodcarving through club activities and carving shows. Preceding the week end show, Don was a student of the three day caricature carving seminar taught by Bruce Henn in which he carved a caricature cowboy. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by: woodbeecarver in Noggins
