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Progress Update

6K views 36 replies 15 participants last post by  stefang 
#1 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
 

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#2 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
Not too shabby for a truncated day Mike.
Looking very fine.
 

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#3 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
To put some yellow in there will require a precise and tiny cut…

It will definetaly enhance the looks.

You are doing some fine work.
 

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#4 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
Mike, there is evidence to indicate that the 'Y' chromosome (the male one essentially) is gradually being damaged and will cease to be viable in about 100,000 years. That means women will have to do all their own heavy lifting and put their own trash out when we go.

Your marquetry is looking splendid
 

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#5 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
So I will have to continue taking out the trash for the next 100,000 years? My back hurts just thinking about it.
 

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#6 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
Looking good Mike. How much time do you have invested in it so far?
 

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#7 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
That dude is really comin to life Mike. Wow.
 

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#8 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
Mike
I have been watching with interest as you move along slowly and can't believe all the little details you are putting into this and the time involved .
As to your other chores I don't envy you but such is life ,
suck it up and get back in the shop to finish this piece of art when you can .
 

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#9 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
That is a great bit of work. Looking very good.
 

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#10 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
Thanks for egging me on with the encouraging words everyone. I haven't been keeping track of time, but I estimate that I have about 18 hrs into this workpiece and I probably used 10 hrs on the two first workpieces that I had to throw away.

I will go more into the time use subject in my next blog to give my thoughts on on it.
 

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#11 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
Hi stefang … I've been following along and have enjoyed reading the 'ups and downs' as you've blogged … but only now (due to this variable internet connection in Mazatlan) have been able to make comment. This creation is turning out absolutely beautiful!!
You worried at one point about it being maybe too difficult a project to tackle, and yet you've managed to jump over the most difficult hurdles along the way … more than adequately proving you well up for the challenge! I can't wait to see this dragon pop with brilliance once the finish has been applied :) Well done!!
 

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#12 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
Thank you Elaine. This is a learning piece, but I still want it to come out well. More importantly I am having a lot of enjoyment from the experience and I believe that I have now learned what the most critical elements are to attain success. This is a long way from real marquetry with veneers, as I'm using relatively thick wood, but I just don't like working with that thin stuff even though the results can be so good. I may change my mind on that point, but for now I'm content working with the thick stuff.

I want to mention that I am still in love with intarsia. I love it's 3d effect. I like the shaping process a lot, something that I thought beforehand would be very boring and dusty. Well, it is dusty anyway. I have only made the one piece so far and without color, but your wonderful intarsia work is very inspiring for me to try my luck with paint even though I'm not an artist like yourself.
 

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#13 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
Mike,

I have followed your amazing progress as best I can between all the stuff going on for me. I applaud your taking on this challenge. I'm far behind you but I want to get there. This is a very tough piece to take on I think as an early project and I admire you for that. I am looking forward to making my first real piece of marquetry.

Your documentation and photography is really great too. I had a similar shortened day yesterday. Big plans in the shop and then up pops this I need you NOW! from my wonderful wife and there went my day in the shop…...

Ken
 

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#14 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
Hi Ken. Thanks for the encouraging words. My project is going slow, but I continue to learn things. I plan to post a new blog on it later this evening. Actually I'm having so much fun that I'm not eager to be finished too soon. It is quite a thrill to cut out some intricate shapes and then cut a matching piece that just drops in with a perfect fit (well, near perfect anyway). I am of course approaching this marquetry thing in my own backward way and learning things on my own instead of doing it the right way, but strangely enough that is a great motivator for me. My thrill is first failing, then figuring out a way that works. Pure lunacy I guess.
 

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#15 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
Slow is good, Mike. The one I just posted took over 50 days to complete. Slow allows you to meet problems and solve them just the once, as opposed to a quick fix which needs yet another fix. It can be frustrating but , to use an old old cliche 'good things come to those who wait'.
 

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#16 ·
Progress Update

I was hoping to get a lot done today, but I was called on to provide transport. That is one of my two main functions. The other is heavy lifting. My wife takes care of all the intellectual stuff, like thinking and such.

TODAYS WORK
I got the lower large flame done and I filled in the with African blackwood on the jagged part behind the lower leg. I am not done with this area yet, as I plan to cut some out of the black area to put some yellow into it. I haven't done any other black parts yet. The other black you see is just where I've cut out.

The black infill was the most difficult work so far as it is fairly detailed and hard to accurately trace prior to cutting. It is hard to see pencil lines on black wood, so I just put a piece of masking tape on top to draw the pattern on. It did come out pretty good. I will be leveling tomorrow and sanding a little as the infill piece was slightly thicker than my main workpiece.

Art Painting Paint Illustration Drawing

Art Tree Painting Wood Tail
Ah chucks Mike! I'm glad you like my 'dusty' Intarsia work, and I thank you for such a lovely complement!!
 

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#17 ·
Progress Update

WHAT I DID TODAY
I managed to get more of the black filled in. Some of the fingers, the whiskers and a few other African Blackwood infills. I also put in the middle leg with Ash.

The whole project looked so grubby from glue residue and smudges that I finally cleaned it up a little. It isn't easy because many of the infill pieces are slightly proud of the background. I have been whittling these down with sharp chisels a little everyday. My intention is to handplane it when everything is finished. You might notice that most of the belly on the bottom is missing. This will be done tomorrow, I hope.

Here is a photo of progress to date.
Wood Art Painting Fictional character Drawing


WHAT'S TO COME
I'm getting close now to getting all the backgrounds finished. I still have the eyebrows the mouth, fire/tongue, eyes and the top and bottom belly pieces. I am hoping to get some of that done tomorrow.

For me, the most fun part will be when I start adding the details. These will be added to many of the already infilled areas, especially those with black infill. I think they will bring the picture to life and make it a lot more exciting. I am also hoping to find additional opportunities for more detail, but only where the will make the image more lively.

WHAT I LEARNED TODAY
Cutting the African Blackwood has gone well but the swarf can't be entirely blown away as the cutting proceeds. It kind of balls up in front of the blade making it a little difficult to see the pattern line. I tend to look a little ahead of the blade anyway, so no big problems encountered.

A rather pleasant aroma is released while cutting the Blackwood. It is a familiar scent, but I couldn't place it at first. After a few days I realized that it smells just like Bazooka bubblegum! Of course I haven't had any for more than 35 years, so it took me awhile to remember!

I'm still looking for a good material for my thin pattern attachment. I found some 1/16" birch plywood used for airplane models that would be ideal, but it costs an arm and a leg. Please let me know if you have any ideas for me on this point. It should be strong and stiff.

Thanks for looking in.
 

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#18 ·
Progress Update

WHAT I DID TODAY
I managed to get more of the black filled in. Some of the fingers, the whiskers and a few other African Blackwood infills. I also put in the middle leg with Ash.

The whole project looked so grubby from glue residue and smudges that I finally cleaned it up a little. It isn't easy because many of the infill pieces are slightly proud of the background. I have been whittling these down with sharp chisels a little everyday. My intention is to handplane it when everything is finished. You might notice that most of the belly on the bottom is missing. This will be done tomorrow, I hope.

Here is a photo of progress to date.
Wood Art Painting Fictional character Drawing


WHAT'S TO COME
I'm getting close now to getting all the backgrounds finished. I still have the eyebrows the mouth, fire/tongue, eyes and the top and bottom belly pieces. I am hoping to get some of that done tomorrow.

For me, the most fun part will be when I start adding the details. These will be added to many of the already infilled areas, especially those with black infill. I think they will bring the picture to life and make it a lot more exciting. I am also hoping to find additional opportunities for more detail, but only where the will make the image more lively.

WHAT I LEARNED TODAY
Cutting the African Blackwood has gone well but the swarf can't be entirely blown away as the cutting proceeds. It kind of balls up in front of the blade making it a little difficult to see the pattern line. I tend to look a little ahead of the blade anyway, so no big problems encountered.

A rather pleasant aroma is released while cutting the Blackwood. It is a familiar scent, but I couldn't place it at first. After a few days I realized that it smells just like Bazooka bubblegum! Of course I haven't had any for more than 35 years, so it took me awhile to remember!

I'm still looking for a good material for my thin pattern attachment. I found some 1/16" birch plywood used for airplane models that would be ideal, but it costs an arm and a leg. Please let me know if you have any ideas for me on this point. It should be strong and stiff.

Thanks for looking in.
Bazooka Joe. What a memory. I do believe chewing gum technology has improved since then.

Looking good Mike, what a ride.
Steve
 

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