I had some time the last couple nights to get in the studio to do some carving. I did the eyes differently than I usually do using Jeff Phare’s teaching in his “Carving Eyes” book. It think I prefer his way. I know I made them a little to wide and not exactly centered, but had fun just the same.
Enjoying myself, and the art of wood sculpting are more important the the finished product. Not that I don’t want to improve, I do. But I also want to enjoy the peace this artistic expression brings me.
I took an hour last night and started this one. Cottonwood bark, my favorite. I hope to finish it this weekend. I haven’t had much time to carve. The church, family, and keeping on top of the house things, keeps one busy, but I sure enjoy when I get some time to carve.
Here is An American Indian I started with Alec Lacasse, finishing it up. Need some more of this amazing cottonwood bark. Using another one of his carvings (pic beside) to reference for the detail.
I finally got a few hours today to go out to the studio and do some carving. I had been working on a Green Man, following Chris Pye’s book. I am going to do a lot of sanding on this guy, and do some light green staining I believe. A few more areas to clean up.
My daughter Abby is a photographer and took some pics last month of my carving studio and me carving. She is very gifted in the arts and photography is one of her many talents. Her husband does video and they run Storylines Creative Co. She is a beautiful young lady in every way. I love her spirit and heart and the fact she has dedicated her life to helping others. Here are the pics. She took some good ones.
Not sure why the fall inspires me creatively so much. Maybe it’s because I started carving in the fall? Worked on these guys. I need to finish the American Indian with some beads. the Genghis Khan dude was just fun and trying to carve outside the box.
I have two projects going right now. One is in red cedar, which I love, and wish we had more this far south in Michigan. The other is cottonwood bark from Canada. Only had a couple hours this week to carve. Need to carve more to continue to get better. Tried a different way to do the nose. Also cut the eyes on the cedar with a V and a knife, which is new I usually have just used a knife.
I had fun doing these two guys. One older, one younger. Tried to do some extras with both of them. 
I will be working more on the neck and clothing collar.
Nate Elarton Wood Sculpting 