The Spanish Torero is done! As some of you know, I like to create fantasy themes with a little dose of reality and a pinch of humor. I try not to carve what people expect. If you see an apple as a round shaped object, I see it more like a Dodecahedron (yes, you have to google that). 

This Spanish torero decided to spend more time in the kitchen and less in the arena. As a result, he no longer has the physique of a Torero. All he has left is his courage and love for the pageantry of bullfighting. What he didn't suspect is that, once out in 'La Plaza de Toros', his courage would be challenged, not by the bull, but by a little mouse no taller than his knees. Looks like courage comes in different sizes but either way, they should both combine forces since neither one alone is bound to win against the bull. Carved in basswood. Enjoy!

The Side of Wood Artistry The Public Does Not See

To create a concept in wood, it is important for me to plan it first and then create some sort of drawing so I can visualize it. Drawings are also needed to determine a front and side view of the subjects in the concept. When I draw, I often times get so inspired that my drawings end up as completed Ink illustrations. Planning, drawing and finally illustrating is the part of the process the public does not get so see, unfortunately.

Doing more work on my next project: the Spanish Torero. Hand-carved in Basswood and painted with Acrylics.

Another cypress knee santa I have been working on.

Carving a Santa in Cypress Knee

Cypress Knee is an interesting wood. It has different shapes and you have to learn to see something in the wood before carving it. It tells you what to carve, you don't tell it what to carve. Fascinating. Here is a double santa and a christmas tree. It is what I saw on this piece of cypress knee.

Woodcarvings

Here are some carvings I did a while ago that have been collecting dust for a long time. I have been working on them on the last few days while I watch TV but it still looks like it is going to take me a long time to finish. I have become so used to the versatility of clay that it is now very tough to go back to wood. I guess the difficulty comes from not being that good at sharpening my tools in spite of all the things I have been given to do it right. Oh well, we'll see how it all goes. I'll probably continue to work on other projects and come back to this one on and off....enjoy!