Behind the Scenes
Pine and Basswood are soft woods and often the best option for carvings that are created with hand tools - knives and gouges.
It Starts with a Block of Wood
I stain all my carvings before painting (with acrylic paints). The stain helps protect the wood while also filling in the gaps. It deepens the colors and provides contrast.
Bring it to Life
I add patterns in pencil and adjust to the wood as I go because it isn’t perfectly flat or smooth. But it works!
Add the Details
I pick colors as I go and sometimes ‘repaint’ until it finally feels right. Finally, I use polyurethane to add a final layer to protect the paint.