Carousel Horse for granddaughters

Project Owner: Charles Lagergren
Type of Wood: Basswood glue-up in coffin construction as originals
Finish: TeeKay's sealer, gesso, acrylic paint
Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 13 in. (1.5m x 1.5m x 33cm)

Description:

I have been carving a long time, mostly small projects like ornaments, Santas, love tokens, spoons, hiking staffs, canes, reliefs, a few birds, etc. I decided to try something larger and bit off this horse. A retiring club member was selling his larger gouges...so? Some choices get made for you however, and the color, grain and intrusions in the glued up wood meant a natural or stained finish was out. But habits and desires still will out, so I enjoyed carving lots of hidden mice, frogs and butterflies amongst the flowers. Thanks Chris. The basket weave required many sample trials but, I'm pleased and proud of the results. The basket is a glue-on, but then again so is the belly below the flat plank and the right side of the mane to get additional fullness. Angel faces carved to kind-of resemble granddaughters are kind-of fun, and was twice carved separately then glued on. As you move up to larger pieces, getting your eyes around the piece for proportions and symmetry is a challenge. The other thing I had trouble with is- REMEMBER to do all the roughing out (bosting) before ever starting the details! It's hard, because the details are where the fun's at. But, if you like to do things over again ...well? Painting is an entirely new skill. The sealer, gesso & yellow ochre flesh base was perfect for the final thin wash coat of burnt sienna = Chestnut horse. The mane's base coat is yellow ochre with a final coat of Gold Interference paint by Golden Paints. It's neither Metallic nor Iridescent, but the cream colored paste creates a real gold look. (Other Interference colors like green and blue are fantastic for mallard heads). The brass pole is purchased and the mounting base is finished. The curved and planked base resembles a pie-shaped segment of a carousel platform. Four casters are mounted underneath. The entire project will weigh approximately 100 pounds ( 45 kg). Still have some painting and a little way to go to finish this project. What a kick it's been!