Birds in Wood

Winter Woos

jim — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:58:26 +0000

These wonderful winter visitors to the Northeast are seen in flocks at the end of winter. Their plumage differs as to the time of the year and whether they are interested in breeding.

This wooden sculpture captures the bird’s optimism after the long winter.

Both male (the upper bird) and the female (lower bird) are carved of tupelo. They are indicative of my new dedication to detail. The intricate detail carving lends itself better to oil paints. The branch is brass.

The piece stands 9 inches high, and is available for purchase.

Great Blue Heron Miniature

jim — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:41:55 +0000

This 9 inch miniature portrays the typical posture of the great blue fisherman. They are often seen resting on one leg at the edge of wetlands.This bird carving is of tupelo. The intricate detail of the sculpture accurately depicts the distinct feathering of the various areas of the bird. It is painted in oils and is in a private collection.

Atlantic Puffin

jim — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 19:47:14 +0000

This beautiful sculpture is completed! The entire piece is carved from tupelo wood. This fine art carving is painted in oils. It depicts the successful completion of the hunt .]This whimsical piece shows the clown-like plumage of the breeding season. The little hunter has just found a full creel of sand eels, and is looking for a potential mate to share them with. It is available for purchase. It placed 2nd in the Advanced Division, Sea Birds Category in 2012 Ward World Carving Championships.

Belted Kingfisher

jim — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:38:36 +0000

This life-sized wood sculpture captures the ability of this little angler to hover above pools while looking for prey. It depicts the moment just before the bird tucks its wings and plummets into the eddy.

This intricate carving is made of tupelo wood . Tupelo is a wood found in southern bayous. It allows the artist to provide the fine detail that is inherent to this art form because it is quite stable and the grain is not a problem.

The base is walnut and the stand is cherry.

It is painted in oils.

Atlantic Puffin-Work in Progress

jim — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:46:17 +0000

This whimsical piece will show the clown-like plumage of the breeding season. The little hunter has just found a full creel of sand eels, and is looking for a potential mate to share them with. The head has just been mounted, and needs to have a final texture stoning. The feet will be carved into the rock base, and the tarsi will be formed. All in preparation for painting.

Hummingbirds 2011

jim — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:27:37 +0000

This post displays my latest two Ruby-throated hummers. There is a subtle difference in posture in each. One is displayed on a lilac base that shows the beauty of natural lilac wood with bands of magenta coursing through the grain. The other bird is seen with a slightly less-upright posture at a rose leaning on a walnut burl base. Both are painted in oils and made of tupelo. They are in private collections.

Out Of Chaos

jim — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:07:47 +0000

This interpretive piece was born of the tenth anniversary of 9/11. It debuted at the 2011 Vermont Woodworking Show where one visitor was brought to tears by the piece. It is of juniper, mesquite, and cherry. It is in a private collection. It received Honorable Mention in the 2012 Ward World Carving Championship, Advanced Division, Interpretive Carving Category.

White Throated Sparrow

jim — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:47:36 +0000

This is perhaps the finest example of my intricate detail work yet. This proud little sonsgster is busy belting a song from the protection of the high grass. It is made of tupelo and painted with oils. It is life-sized. It is in a private collection.

Birch Shadows

jim — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:37:57 +0000

This life sized piece was used as a study in oils. It depicts the shadows at sunset in a birch forest. This is the best example yet of intricate detail work. The tree is tupelo and white cedar, the bird is tupelo, and the feet are carved of holly. It is available for purchase.

Willow Woos

jim — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:55:46 +0000

The piece is finally done! It captures the unique nature of the bonding that occurs with crows. This pair is seen in the distinct texture of a willow tree. It also demonstrates that a black bird is not black. Highlights of magenta, deep blue and purples are seen. It was painted with oils. It is in a private collection.