About my carvings.....
I have sculpted a wide range of bird species over the years. I have experimented with various woods. As a result of my experimentations I have discovered I prefer basswood over most other woods that are available. I've chosen basswood because of its ability to accept detail both with a knife as well as a power carver. Most of my carvings begin with a simple pattern I have developed. Once I have designed the pattern I band saw out a blank. I use my foredom tool to rough out the shape and bring it down to size. I then utilize my high speed grinder along with my wood burning tool to sculpt in the various details of the bird.
Once the carving process is completed and I am satisfied with the results, I seal the piece with a coat of 50/50 mix of Deft lacquer and lacquer thinner . For paints I prefer Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylics over other acrylics or oil paints. I thin the paints down with a little water until I have a consistency of skim milk. I apply thin washes on the bird until I have the build up of paint I am looking for.
As far as the habitat is concerned, I tend to make my own. I use to pick up drift wood and other branches and such along hiking trails. However, I find it much more rewarding to carve my own branches and rocks out of wood. It also adds to the sculpture if the habitat is custom fit to the bird.
~Tim
Once the carving process is completed and I am satisfied with the results, I seal the piece with a coat of 50/50 mix of Deft lacquer and lacquer thinner . For paints I prefer Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylics over other acrylics or oil paints. I thin the paints down with a little water until I have a consistency of skim milk. I apply thin washes on the bird until I have the build up of paint I am looking for.
As far as the habitat is concerned, I tend to make my own. I use to pick up drift wood and other branches and such along hiking trails. However, I find it much more rewarding to carve my own branches and rocks out of wood. It also adds to the sculpture if the habitat is custom fit to the bird.
~Tim