Carving another Gandalf wizard is an exercise of caving a previous project attempting to apply subtle innovations into a new version.

The four views of the Gandalf with the monochrome color are intended for a visual study using imagination to carve this wizard as a mental exercise.  It will be noted on the back side view that there is a very large dark brown knot exposed.  The knot is left exposed to illustrate that even a scrappy  piece of wood can still be carved with the imperfection giving personality to the carving. The choice to use a monochrome color rather than polychrome of many colors was intentional  to illustrate that trying to hide imperfections may take away from the carving more than allowing the imperfection speak for itself. Only the whites of the eyes, the rope belt,  the crystal ball in the roots and the ball  in the right hand have received color while the rest of the carving receives the warm honey color of raw sienna and boiled linseed oil for artistic effect.

This Gandalf will be used as a study go-by for a class project as is illustrated in the two comparative photos with the green background showing a completed carving and one partially carved.  The intent is to use one’s imagination in retracing the carving steps to shape the various sections of the overall carving.

Note that the twisted roots of the walking staff that holds a red crystal ball begin as a squared section of wood.  The twist of the roots are carved free handed using a series of three cut triangular chip cuts to open up the area where the roots fork.  Notch cuts slice and shape the twisted roots intertwining with adjoining roots while carving a ball within the twist of the roots.  Note how the root section of the walking stick presses against the brim of the hat causing it to bend and form itself around the staff.

Follow the staff down to notice the one side of the long flowing mustache drapes itself around the staff as well as the bottom hem of the robe drapes around the bottom of the staff.  Notice the various ways the S Rule is carved into the flow of the robe, the twist of the head to one side, the rope belt tie, the crook in the walking staff and the curvature of hat brim.  These subtle movement motifs give an interesting journey for the eye to follow around the carving.

A previous posting Gandalf Study can be visited for another lesson of the same carving subject.  Keep in mind always that every carving project is a learning project to teach us. We learn by observation, reading written descriptions, imaginative day dreaming and most importantly by doing the actual carving process.  In the doing, all the other learning functions come together to make new discoveries.  Dream your carving and carve your dreams.