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Carving is all about light and shadow.
Unless you are painting or otherwise telling the viewer what they are looking at, it's really all you are working with. Find out more...
| 27 May 2014 14:45
Michael - That's a great suggestion. Many thanks for contributing, and all the best with your carving!
| 25 May 2014 13:13
Hello Chris - I just signed up last week. This is an excellent resource and, short of sitting for lessons in your workshop, is the best way to teach us your art and craft.
For those of you looking for lighting resources, you might look at some photography websites or books. Much like carving, photography is I essence defining the subject using light and shadow. Especially when shooting in black and white. And there are many lessons about photo lighting available.
During my studies as an artist, we were instructed to research outside our chosen medium or discipline for information or inspiration.
| 18 August 2013 18:46
Hi butting sorry! In my old workshop I had "Northern light" so shadows stayed almost constant.. in my new workshop I don't.. So where I can I use "Day light" bulbs..
I;ve just joined by the way, Great site! Well Done
| 08 April 2013 13:32
Sam - Getting the lighting right is on the same level as holding your carving in the just right place. I find myself often adjusting both. Besides good ambient light in the workshop, I have quite a few adjustbble, Anglepoise-type lights that can sit on th bench and can move around. It's worth spending some time on this, it does affect what you are doing, or even can do.
| 06 April 2013 21:09
Hi Chris
This video raises the question in my mind what sort of lighting do you use in your workshop and how much do you adjust it as you work, not just to get the light right to see fiddly details as you carve, but also see the big picture lit properly as in the video? My current set up isn't good enough and I'm trying to work out the best way forward...
Cheers, Sam
| 08 August 2012 14:05
Jim - I don't know of any specific books as such I'm afraid; mostly we glean what we can, where we can, and with experience develop an ability to 'read' what's going on and know what you feel about it. I try to bring out design features in the projects where I can - I'll try and include more of this in the future.
| 05 August 2012 17:00
I know you have books that cover information on design, but I was wondering if there were any other books that specifically covered this subject more intensely. Thanks Jim
| 30 January 2012 08:49
Nancy - ***FYI: if the big button on the right doesn't work for you for some reason, there's a form in the 'Contact' page, which you get to through the 'About' tab at the top. ***YOUR SUGGESTION: It's mainly sheep here on the Wales' border, so not that many wolves! Or elk. And honestly, with the list of subjects we have to work through, the odds of me carving these animals are very low in the immediate future - although I do understand these are just examples. However - and this is really important - what I'm trying to give you in Woodcarving Workshops is a method, an approach - a way of working that is independent of the subject. Look at the Merlin or Bat series (in the round) and you'll see the same process in each: 1 lots of research and drawing; 2 a model if I'm still unsure; 3 working drawings; 4 bosting in; 5 refining; 6 focussing; 7 details. I would use exactly this approach for a wolf or any other subject so try and draw this approach out as you look at those lessons and see how you can make it work for what YOU want to carve. Sorry if this is a lecture but I can feel your passion here and would love you to have a go yourself. And if it doesn't work out, have another go. 'Humans' are definitely on the cards though. I'm still working on the best way to teach or present this. Joy and success to your carving!
| 29 January 2012 00:50
I absolutely love everything you put on your website!! I would like to offer a suggestion for a video lesson but don't have the Microsoft mail I would have to use. So here is my suggestion which may or may not be a good one. I would like to see animals in the round such as wolves, elk or deer. These may not be of interest to anyone else but I hope they would. Or even a woman, child or man's bust. Thank you so much for all your wonderful information!!
