Whittle Half Pints are three inch tall figures that are carved a half inch to a foot scale. They begin as an inch square by three inch tall block of basswood.

Using the Rule of Three for Facial Proportions and Body Proportions, each figure is carved in the motif of “exaggerated realism of caricature.” The head and face are exaggerated in size in order to capture the attention of the viewer. After seeing the face the viewer will look at the other features of the carving to determine what kind of character is being portrayed.

A visual study of the photographs will observe the “carved textures” that create “color of movement.” Notice also that the shoes are carved larger than usual for the purpose of strength due to the cross grain weakness where the shoe narrows in front of the ankle.

Each one is carved using only a knife in the Whittle-Carving style that creates a lot of movement in the overall pose and posture as well as the design that incorporates the “S” Rule. Notice the characters that are holding a cane or walking stick that has been carved crooked to emulate the “S” Rule. Slice and Roll knife blade cuts allows for making flowing lines in the folds, flare and wrinkles of the clothing.

The finish is a one color monochrome stain using artist oil paint Raw Sienna color that is mixed with boiled linseed oil. The choice of the monochrome finish is to highlight the carved facets on the carving that allows the texture add color to the overall carving.

The Affiliated Woodcarvers International Congress competition has changed the Miniature Class to include three inch carvings, so these Half Pints besides being “half scale” can also be considered “Miniature” is some carving circles.