The Fundamentals of Drawing listed above are useful for wood carvers to consider these same fundamentals in the process of designing and shaping of any carving project.

OBSERVATION ~ Observation begins with imagination and then study of the subject to blend in with imagination to form a mental image of the carving project.  As the subject is in the process of being carved, observation continues to guide the process.

COMPOSITION ~ Composition in carving is when all the different elements of the carving are put together to create a desired effect. Does the carving look like a decorated telephone pole and is it a figure that shows a sense of movement and tells a story in its pose?

LINE QUALITY ~ Line quality are visual lines that outline the carving as if tracing the lines that are viewed while looking at the completed carving project. Are there lines to move and follow the normal curves of movement and action or are there too many straight and wooden lines that do not bend away from having a boxy look. For example, the front of the chin bone of leg is straight while the back of the leg chin bone is the calf muscles of the leg that has a curved line. Curving lines in a carving are more eye catching that straight lines as in a straight arm along the side of the body is not as interesting as an arm bent at the elbow and a hand holding an object.

SHAPE AND FORM ~ In carving, the first process is the “Shape Up the Basic Form” of the subject to become a silhouette that will guide the detail portion of the carving process.  “Form follows function and detail follow form,” making the Shape and Form essential in the carving process.

PROPORTION ~ Proportions are what keeps the carving balanced for if a section of the carving is out of proportion the overall effect falls apart.  Proportions help is keeping the design honest and true to its intended purpose.  Even in caricature carvings which exaggerates proportions for an added effect, such exaggerations must be balanced with the rest of the proportions. The Rule of Three for Facial proportions in three divisions are: Hairline to Eyebrow; Eyebrow to Nose Tip; Nose Tip to Bottom of Chin. The Rule of Three for Body Proportions in three divisions are: Shoulder to Waist; Waist to Mid Knees; Mid Knees to Bottom of Feet. Using these two rule of proportions as a visual guide will guide the carving process both in Observation and in Shape and Form set up.

PERSPECTIVE ~ Perspective in carving is the ability create depth on a flat surface or create a 3-D effect to amplify a flat surface. Relief carving utilizes Perspective more than a carving in the round. However, in carving in the round, there may be areas where perspective comes into play to amplify depth in a shallow area.  For examples texturing clothing with wrinkles and folds or the row of buttons on a shirt or the belt lace through the belt loops of the pants. Shallow cuts of stair step fashion can create a depth of perspective in a relief sort of way. One definition states “the art of representing three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height. width, depth, and position in relation to each other.”

SHADING ~ Shading is the technique used to create the illusions of depth and volume in a drawing or painting that involves varying the darkness and lightness in colors to represent light and shadow. For carving in wood, shading can be accomplished by varying the depts of cuts in designated areas of the carving subject to create depth and texture that contribute to darkness and lightness that implies “Texture is Color.”  Consider this effect as being applied to a carving that will be finished in a monochrome (one color) natural finish.  Of course, if the carving is to be painted with multicolor, then Shading would enhance the carved texturing.

This discussing of Fundamental Art terms as describing drawing and paint art has been applied to the wood carving process has been only a brief comparison.  A more extensive understanding of these fundamentals can be researched on the internet by listing each one in the search box by using each term and adding “in Art” to the search. Any small tid bit of information car enhance an understanding the enhances the carving process.