Whittle Dwarfs  are fun little whimsical carvings that are carved out of an inch and half tall by an inch square basswood block.  A Whittle Dwarf is primarily a head carved on top of the toes of shoes, thus the “dwarf” appearance.  The eyes are covered by the hat while the nose, mouth, mustache, beard, hair, teeth and ears are carved to represent the simulance of a caricature face.  They are good practice carving exercises in a small package while at the same time offering a variety of facial poses that bring a smile to the viewer as well as the carver. Earlier Whittle Dwarfs postings appear in the Category of “Carving Projects.” (click on photo to enlarge)

Kathy Johns  recently gifted my wife and me with her wood burning portraits. She is a very good carving friend who is a ribbon winner with her eclectic carving subjects as well as other artistic mediums. The three photos below are of Kathy, husband Don and examples of her beautiful art.

Thank you Kathy and Don for the gift of your friendship, the best gift of all.

When it is said, “you got egg on your face” it means something so obvious that it cannot be hidden. On the other hand, when a wood carver says, “see the face on the egg,” it is obvious that a face has been carved into a wooden egg. (click on photos to enlarge.) Read the rest of this entry »

The Mini Gnome Wizard is a mini version of the original three inch by inch and half square Gnome Wizard.  The Mini Gnome Wizard is an inch and half tall by an inch square.  The first photo above is of the Mini with a penny for comparison of size.  The next two photos are of original Gnome Wizard three inches tall for comparison.  The final four photos below are of various views of the Mini Gnome Wizard with monochrome finish of artist oil paint color Raw Sienna mixed with boiled linseed oil. Whittle-Carving style of carving only with a knife allows for creating pristine details in a small package.  The twist of the pose allows for a sense of movement in this fun little project. (click on photo to enlarge)

The value of participating in a carving class is multifaceted in that one learns not only from the instructor, but also from the camaraderie of fellow students and the act of carving the project.  Jim Hecker, a carving friend, recently participated in a carving class and has written a brief description of the class experience as well as photographs of his project of a Norwegian female figure. (click on each photo to enlarge.) Read the rest of this entry »

The caricature carvings of a Viking and an Indian began as a line drawing by artist friend Don Stephenson (a.k.a. the Idea Monster) who comes up with the neatest ideas for carving projects.  The first two photographs above show the carving subject surrounding the drawing of each subject.  The next two photographs are of a Viking and an Indian with a quarter to depict their miniature size of three inches tall. Read the rest of this entry »

It is fun as well as instructional to study old, antique and vintage wood carvings.  Often they are available at flea markets, antique or thrift stores and auctions at a reasonable price.  Their value is in studying each carving to imagine how the artist and creator executed the carving process with the efficiency of each cut as well as studying the pose and coloring effects.  Some may need some repair providing an opportunity to try one’s hand of making those repairs and blending in the color.  Vintage carving can also serve as models for one’s own interpretation of the subject of the model.

The photos presented here include a repair done of the Quaker man’s hat and an often repeated theme of a man sitting in a rocking chair that was carved for the tourist trade seventy five years ago.  All of which provide excellent study in the art of carving in the vintage style of tourist souvenirs. (click on each photo to enlarge) Read the rest of this entry »