like it or loathe it.. (1 Viewer)

Strandman

Well-known member

• Nov 26, 2006

• #1

Here's a sculpture of a displaying Great Northern (Common Loon) approx life size which has just come in from the shed to have its beak repaired. It got sent to the shed on a combined vote from my wife and mother-in-law both of whom said the idea of leaving it unpainted with this monochrome finish to avoid breaking up its shape was nuts..So the question is whether I should bite the bullet, treat the monochrome as undercoat and paint it properly this winter. Opinions welcome..

 

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John P

Usually on a different wavelength

• Nov 26, 2006

• #2

Having just finished a small stoneware (clay) sculpture of a pair of Sumo wrestlers I think I know exactly how you feel.

I do think that your GND needs a lift from some colour detail but I personally wouldn't relish the job of doing it.

I've opted to glaze mine in a plain matt black, not obviously typical for sumo wrestlers but it sort of felt right for the piece and was a damned sight easier to dunk the whole thing in a bucket of glaze rather than having to put in any detail.|=)|

 

timwootton

Well-known member

• Nov 26, 2006

• #3

Hi Ed - I've been meaning to get back to you, I absolutely loved the images on your website, the carvings and the cartoons were amongst my favourites (Keith Brickie is hilarious!!! - has Mr. B. ever seen this????!), but I digress (as usual) with regard to this piece I love it as is, but I would personally avoid the temptation to paint a 'realistic' plumage on the carving. For me, that's a bit like photorealistic painting/illustration - it gets to a point when you may as well have the photo. You may get into the realms of 'decoys', because the carving is so accurate and sensitive - keep it sculptural. maybe John's suggestion of a tone or colour perhaps - what about an allover grey and 'lift' the particular striations witha dampened paintbrush - subtlety, I think? Carving's great - what's wrong with your women (mine always want bloody puffins - ha ha).
Tim

 

matt green

Norfolkman gone walkabout

• Nov 27, 2006

• #4

Maybe have someone take a cast of it?

It would look awsome in bronze!

Matt

 

Keith Reeder

Watch the birdie...

• Nov 27, 2006

• #5

I think it looks brilliant as is.

 

Katy Penland

Well-known member

• Nov 27, 2006

• #6

I'm with Keith -- keep it as is. I love the monochrome finish because it calls your attention to the stylized, graceful shape of the whole. Gorgeous.

If it needs a good home, I'll PM you my address! :bounce:

 

Woody

Well-known member

• Nov 27, 2006

• #7

I like the monochrome, helps to concentrate on the shapes.

Woody

 

Jane Turner

Well-known member

• Nov 27, 2006

• #8

I love it as it is..... And if its fate is to be consigned to the shed, do let me know what you would like for it! I'd give it a loving home.

 

buzzard12

Well-known member

• Nov 27, 2006

• #9

Its already a thing of beauty...

I'd paint it...

 

Strandman

Well-known member

• Nov 27, 2006

• #10

What a heartening set of responses. I think what I will do for now is a bit more highlighting (it's not a great photo, but some areas such as the neck patch are highlit in silver against the grey). Then see how it looks and maybe resubmit to this informal committee. I have two more of the red glass eyes hidden away somewhere so the next stage of the plan is to cast a copy of this one in plaster/resin and do a bit of surgery on it, so we have a non identical pair to set each other off..but that may take a little while.

 

Bob in SF

Well-known member

• Nov 28, 2006

• #11

Do a bronze - would be a fine pair...

Ed - Looks great as is - but I'd add a bronze.

Here's an example of one of my marble carvings - done to commemorate the birth of the first of my 3 daughters - inspired by the 6 months gestation ultrasound. I then did a bronze (and another). 20" tall, called "Blossoming"

As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in his essay on halves - nothing and no one is complete - everything seeks its complement.

Have fun! - Bob

 

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Ashley beolens

Breeding the next generation of birders.

• Nov 28, 2006

• #12

I love it!! don't change it would spoil the feeling of the piece IMHO.

 

Mouldy

skywatcher, dragonhunter

• Nov 28, 2006

• #13

Love it.........the ability to get the essence of a bird by just shape and a few simple details whether it be sculpted or painted is something to be treasured and something I for one haven't yet mastered, but I've overworked many a picture because I think its how others want to see it, nowadays I keep true to myself, I hope you do too in this inst.