Thread: The bust's not a bust!

I love the look in his eyes. You know there has to be a good looking yong lady he is following around the room. Great job Whittling!

Great piece Whittling. That is the type of carving I enjoy looking at.

Well done.

Fantstic, what a great job, full marks all round

love it!

Cheers
Michael

Absolutely fantastic, just love it.

There is something about those eyes.

Absolutely top shelf Whittling>


I love those eyes.

Hmm looks like some of my friends, great caricature.

Thanks fellas. The piece took about 5 hours from start to finish, including the plinth and plaque but probably closer to 4 hours on the carving itself. The whole thing was oiled with grape seed oil when done. The oil soaks in and darkens the areas of the carving that have been cross-cut which gives it sufficient hightlights. I much prefer this to painting which I think takes something away from the carving aspect. Just my opinion.

Will any oil do or does grapeseed work particularly well?

I love it. Very nice.

Originally Posted by Iggy

Will any oil do or does grapeseed work particularly well?

Hi Iggy,

Most oils I've tried produce the visual effect I'm after. The reason I use grape seed oil in particular is twofold.

1. My wife suffers from extreme chemical sensitivity and all petrochemical exposures in particular. I need to use an oil to which she does not react. Most comercial preparations smell of chemicals so strongly that it takes weeks for the fumes to off gas to the point where it is safe to bring work into the house. Even industrial boiled linseed oil has petrochemical additives which make her very ill. By using grape seed oil, I can bring my work into the house where my wife can come into contact with it with no ill effects.

2. Most other vegtable oils I've tried, including edible linseed and olive, clag over time, making the surface of the work sticky to the touch, (to say nothing of the brushes and containers). I haven't yet found a solvent that will cut this sticky residue either. Grape seed on the other hand, does not go claggy or build up on your containers and is much easier to get out of your brushes. I use standard paint thinner for clean up and keep it well away from the house where it will not effect the wife.

I like almond oil as well... presuming no nut allergies...

I suppose there's one other reason for grapeseed... its easy to find, being on most supermarket shelves. No experience with Almond oil but can't think why it wouldn't work just as well.

Brilliant work.