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This year's August class was carving a realistic Polar Bear with Wayne
Smith. While we had hoped for 10 participants, in the end only six members
signed up for the carving class. That of course meant more time for the
instructor to spend with each of the participants. As a result, by the
third day all of the Polar Bears were completed, and most painted, which
does not often happen on a project so detailed as this one. Once again,
the class was held at the Senior Center in Morrisville with very good meals
and snacks as well as the "bottomless pot of coffee" provided
by Meals on Wheels.
The class began with a discussion and looking over photos of Polar Bears
to see what features define the shape for the bones and muscles. These
features were drawn on the blank and then the groups were carved in. A
lot of material had to be removed as the bear had one foot elevated. By
the conclusion of the first day, we were beginning to define the features
of the bear's face, as we worked step by step to establish the nose, eyes,
mouth and ears so the face looked as realistic as possible.
On day two, we completed the face details and then moved on to long process
of texturing the hair detail. Using a small gouge we began to add shape
to the hair, and making it flow in the correct direction. This was compounded
by the shape of several parts, which were difficult to get the tool into.
Just when we thought things were looking good, Wayne demonstrated how to
use the burner to add yet more detail over the carved texture to add more
realism. Again, a very long process, but in the end was well worth the
extra effort.
Our final day, while some still worked on texturing, Wayne demonstrated
how to use a series of washes and dry brush technique to paint the bear.
Along with the demonstration, he handed out detailed instructions with
suggested colors, brushes and techniques for painting. Everyone left with
a very fine looking bear, and a lot of new knowledge on completing realistic
animal carvings. If any members ever get an opportunity to take another
carving class with Wayne, he comes highly recommended by everyone taking
this year's class.
2010 Class Report - 3 Birds in 3 Days
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| Once again we utilized the Morrisville Senior Center for our August
class, but we tried a new format, 3 instructors leading the group carving
3 birds in 3 days. In addition to many that take the class each August we
had a number of new carvers, one coming as far away as Philadelphia to join
us. Tuesday began with Larry Bertrand handing out basswood blanks to begin
carving a House Wren. After blocking in the basic form, he explained how
to lay out the feather groups, and also a new method of setting eyes without
using epoxy. By the end of the first day most were taking shape, but needed
a bit of "homework". Wednesday the Senior Center had a morning event planned so we had live music, as Matt Strong handed out the blanks for a stylized American Bitter in Butternut. We began with carving "grass" for the base. Carved very thin, the pine pieces were placed in water to soften till lunch so they could be bent into shape. The body blank required a lot of wood removal to get the basic form so by lunch the floor was covered with quite a large pile of wood chips. Matt carved his own piece so we could see how each part of the finished piece evolved. Again by the end of the day, the carvings were taking shape. Thursday, Dave Tuttle lead us through the process of carving a shore bird. The basswood was a bit easier to carve, the grain cooperated, and by lunch the birds were finished and ready for paint. After another excellent lunch provided by Meals on Wheels, Dave pulled out the paints and brushes and demonstrated which colors to mix and techniques to do the basic colors and add the feather details. By clean up time, most of the shore birds were completed by the end of our last day. Our homework assignment the last day was to bring all 3 birds to the show Saturday for the "Class" table. Some arrived as "works in progress", while some "burned the midnight oil", to get all 3 birds finished. Once again we had a very successful class, thanks to all of the advance planning, organizing and the talents of our three instructors. |
2009 Class Report:
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| Dave Tuttle was our instructor for our 2009 Carving Class. In the
past, we have used the basement of the American Legion Hall, but this year,
Wood arranged for us to use the Morrisville Senior Center, a much larger
space, with air conditioning and large stain glass windows for light. Our
subject for this year was a character carving of a cowboy gun fighter. 9
members attended the three day class. The award for the person traveling
the greatest distance goes to Graeme Rhind who traveled half way around
the world from Australia just to attend our August Class and Show. After handing out the cutouts, we quickly got to work removing excess material and blocking in the basic features. By the end of the first day we had made enough progress that Dave handed out practice blocks so we could learn to work on the procedure for carving faces. By day two, we had made so much progress we set aside the cowboy and carved a Christmas Gnome, practicing carving faces again. After lunch we went back to carve the cowboy face and hat, and adding more details to the figure. By the third day out came the paints. Dave demonstrated his painting technique on the gnome first and then as we finished the cowboy, we started painting the cowboy. By the end of class most had finished both carvings. The Senior Center provided an excellent location for the class. As we were sharing the space, other activities were also going on at the Center. One day there were local musicians, and another a dance class, which Ingrid quickly joined in to learn a few more steps. Once again we had a great August, thanks to Dave offering to share his experience with the Club. Next year? If you have ideas give Wood a call. |