The RULE OF THREE for proportional divisions of the face and body for a carved figure can also be applied for a sitting posture of a carved figure. The Rule of Three for body proportions once the head has been established divides the rest of the body into equal proportions: Shoulder to Waist; Waist to Mid Knees: Mid Knees to Bottom of Feet. This guide works well for a standing figure and it can also be applied to a sitting figure using the three divisions bending at the waist and bending at the knees. Keep in mind that the Rule of Three is “Proportional Measurement” of the eye and mind in which the three proportions appear to be somewhat equal. So, with a sitting posture the eye and mind have to compensate for the hip portion of the middle third between the waist and the mid knees to calculate an approximate equalizing of the proportions. After all, proportions help to create an averaged normalized look of what appears about correct. It just looks right in a proportional perspective. The WOOD BEE CARVER has always utilized “Baseball Measurement,” that is “In the ballpark” of appearing just about right.
The WOOD BEE CARVER has used the concept of “proportions” as a way to envision the design of a carving project. The RULE OF THREE has been the primary guide for facial features and body pose by dividing areas of consideration into three equal proportions. Proportional measuring is a combination of “eye and brain” working together that will apply to any size of a carving project. The photo below is a visual study guide for the male figure as an example to be applied to any male figure.
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This series of photographs presents a brief visual tutorial on the opening phase of carving a Cowpoke which can be applied to any Cowpoke.
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Keith Radick has a strong face with character that is a good subject for study. He is not only an accomplished carver but he also is a good sport by granting me permission to use his face for this study. The face on a WANTED poster is intended to be studied in case you ever see this character.
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This posting is a visual and written description of this Study Cuts Stick that was used when teaching wood carving classes. The WOOD BEE CARVER would place small boxes on the student’s tables that contained pencils, band aids, leather strops, a couple carving knives and a Mertz Study Cuts stick for reference during class sessions.
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Whittle Dwarfs came into existence in 2011 by artist Don Stephenson who drew a few examples as carving ideas for the Wood Bee Carver. The first dwarfs were based upon these original drawings by Don Stephenson.
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The Wood Bee Carver has practiced his motto “Would be carvers would be carvers if they would carve wood,” as a way of living out the journey of woodcarving both as a personal pursuit and as an encouragement to others. The basic meaning of this motto is “we learn by doing and the more we carve the better we carve and there is always more to learn on the journey.”
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