I have started on a new quest to upgrade the realism of all my animal carvings. Better poses, color blending and texturing are all going to be looked at closely before a carving will be "released". After much thought and some prodding from some of my friends at the Woodcarving Illustrated Forum, I am also going to start using bases that are as close to a natural setting as possible. I like the cherry or walnut bases, but they don't add to the realism I am trying to depict in my carvings. Here are some pictures of one with a natural setting base. Look for more in the future.

A look inside

Here are a few pictures of my "shop", which is just an 11x12 dedicated room in my basement. The biggest problem for me is keeping it clean and organized which sometimes can be a real chore. I also have a seperate area for painting and will include pictures of that next post. Thanks for looking

Here are a couple of other carvings to enjoy.  Don't forget to visit me at

http://www.etsy.com/people/oldbearwoodcarving      

Black ash stylized whale, sanded smooth with  natural color wax finish.

Hand carved Folk Art Angel

Teaching

Haven't been getting much done lately, my eight year old granddaughter has decided she wants to be a carver. So far she's showing some real interest and has even finished a couple of simple carvings. As with any type of teaching it is fun, rewarding and sometimes frustrating, but all in all great. She has plenty of enthusiasm, an eye for detail and learns fast. Here is picture of her first carving, hope you enjoy.

Black bear and cubs "I see you"

Latest carving of black bear and cubs. I had been kicking this idea around for a while and finally got it on paper. Didn't take as long to get it carved as it did to work up the pattern.