Thread: High Relief Figurative Carving

A beautiful grasp of anatomy Jack. Did you have photos or some pattern or referece from which to work? I also noticed that you seem to have partially sanded the 'skin'. Whether intentional or not, I think this is a particularly effective representation of the small folds and creases of even health young skin. Was this what you were trying for or happy accident?

How big are these?

A personal preference of mine is to do as little sanding as possible as the slightest hint of texture reflects light much differently than a surface sanded smooth. I experiment with this on different pieces. I do find I am refining my textures on subsequent carvings.

Skin, taunt or flaccid, creases and folds, finger nails, lips and eyes all have different feels and degrees of smoothness. So I have fun with trying out different techniques on different pieces. I do sand ever so slightly, gently rubbing the surface with 600 grit paper before applying wax.

I have a collection of coffee table books with dancers beautifully photographed. I also have a library of images I have collected from photos posted on the internet. If I need something in particular, I have a large wall with floor to ceiling mirrors for doing studies or life drawings.

Jack, those are beautiful pieces.
I agree = skin is not glossy but still has highlights and shadows.
Your control of that with sanding and tool marks is a lesson in itself.

Stunning work Jack, love the finish, the correctness of the anatomy and the simpleness of the pieces.

Being a medical field I love it when artists get anatomy right. Michelangelo was particularly good at this, especially in his sculptures. For example, the Statue of David. Look at your own hands and keep them below your heart or lower. You'll notice that the veins look plump and full. However if you put your hands above your head then the blood from drains from the veins and the plumpness disappears. Now look at the Statue of David, the same characteristics of anatomy is faithfully replicated.

Jack, your talent and your knowledge of the human form is outstanding. Your appreciation of the use of sand paper is some thing that I should try to achieve.
You have opened my eyes today and I believe taught a good lesson with a few short words. Thank you.

Terry

this is really very good. bravo

..Lovely pieces Jack ...and the softened texturing works a treat

Yes - I think you are getting the hang of this young'n.

I may also add that the body does glisten upon perspiration which has been known to happen during 'the tango' as you call it.

Carry on.

doth tango surely glisten raav

it really is a beautiful work and I'd like to see more.
Bravo

WOW. Beautiful work Jack!!!

I've been away from the carving studio for some time. I have been remodeling my parents home with ramps, hand grasps etc. as they are at that stage of life. Learning and observing the process of aging. Somewhere down the road, I am sure my work will be influenced in some manner. Meanwhile, here are a few images from my photo files depicting the carving process.

Stop it Jack, your giving me a woody
Great work, I'll have to get into this oneday myself.

Great work Jack, love the pics.