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 »