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.

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These four photographs show the progressive stages of shaping the square block at the top into a dowel by rounding the corners.  A center line is drawn indicating the direction the head will be turned and the back corners are sliced forward to indicate the shoulder and back of the arm.  The last illustration in each photo shows the  top of the brim and crown of the hat being carved

The hat is carved first because it is the head that fits into the hat rather than the hat sitting on the head.  Once the hat is carved to basic form then the head is carved to its basic form.  Once the head is carved to basic form then the bandanna, vest and shirt are carved.  Curving and long flowing lazy S lines are carved into the design and texture of the clothing.   The back under the shoulders is removed by carving a con-caved arch to meet a half domed base that is also carved as part of the bust.

The facial details are carved along with the hat brim narrowed at its edge to make it appear to be thinner than it actually is for strength purposes as this brim  is a  weak cross grained area.  Hat band is carved along with shaping of the hat crown.

All that remains is an application of a natural finish of artist oil Raw Sienna  paint mixed with boiled linseed oil and finished with a coat of Deft, a brushing lacquer.  The natural finish brings out the texture of the carving facets revealing that “texture is color.”

What follows next is a gallery of the Magnificent Seven in four views each.

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