Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Hand Carved Missouri Birds

Welcome to my 'bird' page!

I enjoy carving our native birds out of basswood and put many hours in each refining the minute details that make them so interesting. Each is carved as close to actual size as is possible.

Everything is carved on the body including the eyes...I do not insert glass eyes.
Once the carving is done, I dry brush on acrylic colors as closely as possible to replicate the natural coloration of each subject.

A matte clear protective coat is then applied for preservation.

I currently have done: Chickadee, Nuthatch, House Sparrow, hen and cock Wrens, and a Wood Thrush. I am working up a pair of Bob White quail with 6 chicks.

I will have photos posted soon....the birds are currently unmounted...but each will have a unique setting once done.

I begin each carving with a detailed drawing first... I will also have photos of these online soon. My drawings are in pencil, colored pencil and ink.
Coming soon: blank cards with bird prints on the cover.