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20K views 90 replies 32 participants last post by  followyourheart 
#1 ·
The idea & the rider

I have had an interest in automata (A self-operating machine or mechanism) since making a limberjack machine a few years ago. I have wanted to create a machine that incorporated caricatures that I carved and that would be fun to look at, an animated toy of sorts. A well-known carver I admire, Lynn Doughty, suggests that you should strive to make your work stand out, to attract attention, and draw people in. So, I felt a carving that moved would be something different, something that makes you want to look closer. Adina Huckins' jointed dolls also influenced this carving as did Wanda Sowry and her wonderful creations!
So the idea that keeps rising up is a little boy dressed up as a cowboy, riding one of the old mechanical horses that used to be found in front of stores for the kids to ride. A crank would be turned to give the little boy his ride on old "Thunderbolt". So I figured I'd blog the process a little bit.

Jaw Gesture Creative arts Art Finger

I completed the head several months ago and have spent the time trying to figure out how to do the joints. I have decided (at least at this date) to use dowel and pin joints. The little groove on the ends allows 360 degree rotation whne held in place with a simple pin. I'll probably restrict the movement to less than that, but this design allows me to get the arm and head placement exactly at the angle that looks best. The waist and legs are simple joints that will allow movement back and forth, as the horse moves.

Plumbing fixture Pink Gas Valve Magenta


Here is the progress on the cowboy so far. I am starting the process of carving the horse, so I can get him seated properly in the saddle. I'll post some pictures of that procees nest time.

Sculpture Gesture Wood Art Statue


Thanks for looking!
 

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#2 ·
The idea & the rider

I have had an interest in automata (A self-operating machine or mechanism) since making a limberjack machine a few years ago. I have wanted to create a machine that incorporated caricatures that I carved and that would be fun to look at, an animated toy of sorts. A well-known carver I admire, Lynn Doughty, suggests that you should strive to make your work stand out, to attract attention, and draw people in. So, I felt a carving that moved would be something different, something that makes you want to look closer. Adina Huckins' jointed dolls also influenced this carving as did Wanda Sowry and her wonderful creations!
So the idea that keeps rising up is a little boy dressed up as a cowboy, riding one of the old mechanical horses that used to be found in front of stores for the kids to ride. A crank would be turned to give the little boy his ride on old "Thunderbolt". So I figured I'd blog the process a little bit.

Jaw Gesture Creative arts Art Finger

I completed the head several months ago and have spent the time trying to figure out how to do the joints. I have decided (at least at this date) to use dowel and pin joints. The little groove on the ends allows 360 degree rotation whne held in place with a simple pin. I'll probably restrict the movement to less than that, but this design allows me to get the arm and head placement exactly at the angle that looks best. The waist and legs are simple joints that will allow movement back and forth, as the horse moves.

Plumbing fixture Pink Gas Valve Magenta


Here is the progress on the cowboy so far. I am starting the process of carving the horse, so I can get him seated properly in the saddle. I'll post some pictures of that procees nest time.

Sculpture Gesture Wood Art Statue


Thanks for looking!
now that is really neat…i love the concept and your doing a wonderful job of it…cant wait to see him seated on the horse…thanks for sharing this…your a wonderful carver..maybe some kind of large bird can be next…having its wings in motion…that would be fun…grizz
 

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#3 ·
The idea & the rider

I have had an interest in automata (A self-operating machine or mechanism) since making a limberjack machine a few years ago. I have wanted to create a machine that incorporated caricatures that I carved and that would be fun to look at, an animated toy of sorts. A well-known carver I admire, Lynn Doughty, suggests that you should strive to make your work stand out, to attract attention, and draw people in. So, I felt a carving that moved would be something different, something that makes you want to look closer. Adina Huckins' jointed dolls also influenced this carving as did Wanda Sowry and her wonderful creations!
So the idea that keeps rising up is a little boy dressed up as a cowboy, riding one of the old mechanical horses that used to be found in front of stores for the kids to ride. A crank would be turned to give the little boy his ride on old "Thunderbolt". So I figured I'd blog the process a little bit.

Jaw Gesture Creative arts Art Finger

I completed the head several months ago and have spent the time trying to figure out how to do the joints. I have decided (at least at this date) to use dowel and pin joints. The little groove on the ends allows 360 degree rotation whne held in place with a simple pin. I'll probably restrict the movement to less than that, but this design allows me to get the arm and head placement exactly at the angle that looks best. The waist and legs are simple joints that will allow movement back and forth, as the horse moves.

Plumbing fixture Pink Gas Valve Magenta


Here is the progress on the cowboy so far. I am starting the process of carving the horse, so I can get him seated properly in the saddle. I'll post some pictures of that procees nest time.

Sculpture Gesture Wood Art Statue


Thanks for looking!
Very cool, can't wait to see the next step!
 

Attachments

#4 ·
The idea & the rider

I have had an interest in automata (A self-operating machine or mechanism) since making a limberjack machine a few years ago. I have wanted to create a machine that incorporated caricatures that I carved and that would be fun to look at, an animated toy of sorts. A well-known carver I admire, Lynn Doughty, suggests that you should strive to make your work stand out, to attract attention, and draw people in. So, I felt a carving that moved would be something different, something that makes you want to look closer. Adina Huckins' jointed dolls also influenced this carving as did Wanda Sowry and her wonderful creations!
So the idea that keeps rising up is a little boy dressed up as a cowboy, riding one of the old mechanical horses that used to be found in front of stores for the kids to ride. A crank would be turned to give the little boy his ride on old "Thunderbolt". So I figured I'd blog the process a little bit.

Jaw Gesture Creative arts Art Finger

I completed the head several months ago and have spent the time trying to figure out how to do the joints. I have decided (at least at this date) to use dowel and pin joints. The little groove on the ends allows 360 degree rotation whne held in place with a simple pin. I'll probably restrict the movement to less than that, but this design allows me to get the arm and head placement exactly at the angle that looks best. The waist and legs are simple joints that will allow movement back and forth, as the horse moves.

Plumbing fixture Pink Gas Valve Magenta


Here is the progress on the cowboy so far. I am starting the process of carving the horse, so I can get him seated properly in the saddle. I'll post some pictures of that procees nest time.

Sculpture Gesture Wood Art Statue


Thanks for looking!
Thats cool.
And he looks good too, looks better sitting than in pieces! :)
 

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#5 ·
The idea & the rider

I have had an interest in automata (A self-operating machine or mechanism) since making a limberjack machine a few years ago. I have wanted to create a machine that incorporated caricatures that I carved and that would be fun to look at, an animated toy of sorts. A well-known carver I admire, Lynn Doughty, suggests that you should strive to make your work stand out, to attract attention, and draw people in. So, I felt a carving that moved would be something different, something that makes you want to look closer. Adina Huckins' jointed dolls also influenced this carving as did Wanda Sowry and her wonderful creations!
So the idea that keeps rising up is a little boy dressed up as a cowboy, riding one of the old mechanical horses that used to be found in front of stores for the kids to ride. A crank would be turned to give the little boy his ride on old "Thunderbolt". So I figured I'd blog the process a little bit.

Jaw Gesture Creative arts Art Finger

I completed the head several months ago and have spent the time trying to figure out how to do the joints. I have decided (at least at this date) to use dowel and pin joints. The little groove on the ends allows 360 degree rotation whne held in place with a simple pin. I'll probably restrict the movement to less than that, but this design allows me to get the arm and head placement exactly at the angle that looks best. The waist and legs are simple joints that will allow movement back and forth, as the horse moves.

Plumbing fixture Pink Gas Valve Magenta


Here is the progress on the cowboy so far. I am starting the process of carving the horse, so I can get him seated properly in the saddle. I'll post some pictures of that procees nest time.

Sculpture Gesture Wood Art Statue


Thanks for looking!
  • great work*
 

Attachments

#6 ·
The idea & the rider

I have had an interest in automata (A self-operating machine or mechanism) since making a limberjack machine a few years ago. I have wanted to create a machine that incorporated caricatures that I carved and that would be fun to look at, an animated toy of sorts. A well-known carver I admire, Lynn Doughty, suggests that you should strive to make your work stand out, to attract attention, and draw people in. So, I felt a carving that moved would be something different, something that makes you want to look closer. Adina Huckins' jointed dolls also influenced this carving as did Wanda Sowry and her wonderful creations!
So the idea that keeps rising up is a little boy dressed up as a cowboy, riding one of the old mechanical horses that used to be found in front of stores for the kids to ride. A crank would be turned to give the little boy his ride on old "Thunderbolt". So I figured I'd blog the process a little bit.

Jaw Gesture Creative arts Art Finger

I completed the head several months ago and have spent the time trying to figure out how to do the joints. I have decided (at least at this date) to use dowel and pin joints. The little groove on the ends allows 360 degree rotation whne held in place with a simple pin. I'll probably restrict the movement to less than that, but this design allows me to get the arm and head placement exactly at the angle that looks best. The waist and legs are simple joints that will allow movement back and forth, as the horse moves.

Plumbing fixture Pink Gas Valve Magenta


Here is the progress on the cowboy so far. I am starting the process of carving the horse, so I can get him seated properly in the saddle. I'll post some pictures of that procees nest time.

Sculpture Gesture Wood Art Statue


Thanks for looking!
oh my-this is wonderful (a major undertaking from my perspective) - and so much fun, as well. I am already smiling at the little guy preparing for his ride to be.

WONDERFUL and how nice that we get to follow along on the creation.
 

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#7 ·
The idea & the rider

I have had an interest in automata (A self-operating machine or mechanism) since making a limberjack machine a few years ago. I have wanted to create a machine that incorporated caricatures that I carved and that would be fun to look at, an animated toy of sorts. A well-known carver I admire, Lynn Doughty, suggests that you should strive to make your work stand out, to attract attention, and draw people in. So, I felt a carving that moved would be something different, something that makes you want to look closer. Adina Huckins' jointed dolls also influenced this carving as did Wanda Sowry and her wonderful creations!
So the idea that keeps rising up is a little boy dressed up as a cowboy, riding one of the old mechanical horses that used to be found in front of stores for the kids to ride. A crank would be turned to give the little boy his ride on old "Thunderbolt". So I figured I'd blog the process a little bit.

Jaw Gesture Creative arts Art Finger

I completed the head several months ago and have spent the time trying to figure out how to do the joints. I have decided (at least at this date) to use dowel and pin joints. The little groove on the ends allows 360 degree rotation whne held in place with a simple pin. I'll probably restrict the movement to less than that, but this design allows me to get the arm and head placement exactly at the angle that looks best. The waist and legs are simple joints that will allow movement back and forth, as the horse moves.

Plumbing fixture Pink Gas Valve Magenta


Here is the progress on the cowboy so far. I am starting the process of carving the horse, so I can get him seated properly in the saddle. I'll post some pictures of that procees nest time.

Sculpture Gesture Wood Art Statue


Thanks for looking!
This is going to be fun to watch!
 

Attachments

#8 ·
The idea & the rider

I have had an interest in automata (A self-operating machine or mechanism) since making a limberjack machine a few years ago. I have wanted to create a machine that incorporated caricatures that I carved and that would be fun to look at, an animated toy of sorts. A well-known carver I admire, Lynn Doughty, suggests that you should strive to make your work stand out, to attract attention, and draw people in. So, I felt a carving that moved would be something different, something that makes you want to look closer. Adina Huckins' jointed dolls also influenced this carving as did Wanda Sowry and her wonderful creations!
So the idea that keeps rising up is a little boy dressed up as a cowboy, riding one of the old mechanical horses that used to be found in front of stores for the kids to ride. A crank would be turned to give the little boy his ride on old "Thunderbolt". So I figured I'd blog the process a little bit.

Jaw Gesture Creative arts Art Finger

I completed the head several months ago and have spent the time trying to figure out how to do the joints. I have decided (at least at this date) to use dowel and pin joints. The little groove on the ends allows 360 degree rotation whne held in place with a simple pin. I'll probably restrict the movement to less than that, but this design allows me to get the arm and head placement exactly at the angle that looks best. The waist and legs are simple joints that will allow movement back and forth, as the horse moves.

Plumbing fixture Pink Gas Valve Magenta


Here is the progress on the cowboy so far. I am starting the process of carving the horse, so I can get him seated properly in the saddle. I'll post some pictures of that procees nest time.

Sculpture Gesture Wood Art Statue


Thanks for looking!
Your carving is very nice and what you are fixing to do sounds most interesting. I'll be watching for it.
 

Attachments

#9 ·
The idea & the rider

I have had an interest in automata (A self-operating machine or mechanism) since making a limberjack machine a few years ago. I have wanted to create a machine that incorporated caricatures that I carved and that would be fun to look at, an animated toy of sorts. A well-known carver I admire, Lynn Doughty, suggests that you should strive to make your work stand out, to attract attention, and draw people in. So, I felt a carving that moved would be something different, something that makes you want to look closer. Adina Huckins' jointed dolls also influenced this carving as did Wanda Sowry and her wonderful creations!
So the idea that keeps rising up is a little boy dressed up as a cowboy, riding one of the old mechanical horses that used to be found in front of stores for the kids to ride. A crank would be turned to give the little boy his ride on old "Thunderbolt". So I figured I'd blog the process a little bit.

Jaw Gesture Creative arts Art Finger

I completed the head several months ago and have spent the time trying to figure out how to do the joints. I have decided (at least at this date) to use dowel and pin joints. The little groove on the ends allows 360 degree rotation whne held in place with a simple pin. I'll probably restrict the movement to less than that, but this design allows me to get the arm and head placement exactly at the angle that looks best. The waist and legs are simple joints that will allow movement back and forth, as the horse moves.

Plumbing fixture Pink Gas Valve Magenta


Here is the progress on the cowboy so far. I am starting the process of carving the horse, so I can get him seated properly in the saddle. I'll post some pictures of that procees nest time.

Sculpture Gesture Wood Art Statue


Thanks for looking!
this is looking awesome, and I can't wait to see more.
 

Attachments

#10 ·
The idea & the rider

I have had an interest in automata (A self-operating machine or mechanism) since making a limberjack machine a few years ago. I have wanted to create a machine that incorporated caricatures that I carved and that would be fun to look at, an animated toy of sorts. A well-known carver I admire, Lynn Doughty, suggests that you should strive to make your work stand out, to attract attention, and draw people in. So, I felt a carving that moved would be something different, something that makes you want to look closer. Adina Huckins' jointed dolls also influenced this carving as did Wanda Sowry and her wonderful creations!
So the idea that keeps rising up is a little boy dressed up as a cowboy, riding one of the old mechanical horses that used to be found in front of stores for the kids to ride. A crank would be turned to give the little boy his ride on old "Thunderbolt". So I figured I'd blog the process a little bit.

Jaw Gesture Creative arts Art Finger

I completed the head several months ago and have spent the time trying to figure out how to do the joints. I have decided (at least at this date) to use dowel and pin joints. The little groove on the ends allows 360 degree rotation whne held in place with a simple pin. I'll probably restrict the movement to less than that, but this design allows me to get the arm and head placement exactly at the angle that looks best. The waist and legs are simple joints that will allow movement back and forth, as the horse moves.

Plumbing fixture Pink Gas Valve Magenta


Here is the progress on the cowboy so far. I am starting the process of carving the horse, so I can get him seated properly in the saddle. I'll post some pictures of that procees nest time.

Sculpture Gesture Wood Art Statue


Thanks for looking!
I'm watching along as your last blog got my attention. So far, so great!!!!
 

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#11 ·
Starting the Horse

Brown Wood Textile Creative arts Fawn


I found some images for mechanical horses and blowing one up to full 8Ă—10 size appears to be proportioned correctly for my carving. I am using Lynn Doughty's carving technique for horses. Basically the horse is made of several separate pieces of wood so that the grain can be properly oriented to strengthen delicate areas. And it also makes certain areas easier to carve! The grain in this piece is running from front to back because the legs are extended rather than being in a standing posistion. The body is actually two separate pieces with dowels joing the planed surface of the boards. This allows you to cut the profiles with legs in different positions. And it makes it much easier to carve the insides of the legs and hooves when you are carving them as separate sides. The legs and particularly the hooves are very delicate, because the grain is quite short in that area. I will complete carving the legs before gluing the two pieces together to finish carving the body and saddle. The body and the head will be separate pieces with the grain running vertically, but the techniques used for painting and finishing will hide any joint lines, plus basswood doesn't have very distinctive grain patterns anyway. More to come!

Watch Wood Gesture Creative arts Finger
 

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#12 ·
Starting the Horse

Brown Wood Textile Creative arts Fawn


I found some images for mechanical horses and blowing one up to full 8Ă—10 size appears to be proportioned correctly for my carving. I am using Lynn Doughty's carving technique for horses. Basically the horse is made of several separate pieces of wood so that the grain can be properly oriented to strengthen delicate areas. And it also makes certain areas easier to carve! The grain in this piece is running from front to back because the legs are extended rather than being in a standing posistion. The body is actually two separate pieces with dowels joing the planed surface of the boards. This allows you to cut the profiles with legs in different positions. And it makes it much easier to carve the insides of the legs and hooves when you are carving them as separate sides. The legs and particularly the hooves are very delicate, because the grain is quite short in that area. I will complete carving the legs before gluing the two pieces together to finish carving the body and saddle. The body and the head will be separate pieces with the grain running vertically, but the techniques used for painting and finishing will hide any joint lines, plus basswood doesn't have very distinctive grain patterns anyway. More to come!

Watch Wood Gesture Creative arts Finger
This is going to be good…...................fun stuff…....................good start…....................
 

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#16 ·
Feets Finished!

Hand Finger Creative arts Safety glove Fawn


I have spent several days working on the feet and legs and finally have the body ready for glue-up. As mentioned in the previous installment, the body is made of two separate pieces to make it easier to carve certain portions and to orient the grain for strength. It is definitely easier to carve and shape the interior portions of the legs and the legs are one of the more difficult elements to carve. They are somewhat delicate because of the thin-ness and you have to support them carefully when carving to avoid mishaps. There are certain delicate areas, especially the thin section between the fetlock and the hoof. The grain is so short there…..it is easy to pop the entire hoof off with relative ease! Certain details are necessary to make it look right, whether it is a caricature, stylized, or realistic carving. Legs and hooves and other areas need certain porportions and details. I spent some time researching and gathering different anatomical drawings and photos, even though this will be representing a fiberglass mechanical horse. I have always had a tendency to prefer a lot of details in my work, a hold-over from when I used to draw. I want this horse to have some realistic elements, to represent the realism and excitement that a child's imagination brings to things when they play. Maybe also to represent how beautiful and magical things can appear, before our maturity demands more sophisticated wonders. In some ways, I am not sure that I want to be a "serious" woodworker…..I have fun with my carvings, and many of them make me smile. I guess we all have some of the children we used to be still inside us, that helps us not always be so serious, that helps us through tougher times.

I'll be finishing up some of the outside muscle groups when the glue dries and then will be working on the saddle. Thanks for looking!

Wood Creative arts Art Sculpture Clay
 

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#17 ·
Feets Finished!

Hand Finger Creative arts Safety glove Fawn


I have spent several days working on the feet and legs and finally have the body ready for glue-up. As mentioned in the previous installment, the body is made of two separate pieces to make it easier to carve certain portions and to orient the grain for strength. It is definitely easier to carve and shape the interior portions of the legs and the legs are one of the more difficult elements to carve. They are somewhat delicate because of the thin-ness and you have to support them carefully when carving to avoid mishaps. There are certain delicate areas, especially the thin section between the fetlock and the hoof. The grain is so short there…..it is easy to pop the entire hoof off with relative ease! Certain details are necessary to make it look right, whether it is a caricature, stylized, or realistic carving. Legs and hooves and other areas need certain porportions and details. I spent some time researching and gathering different anatomical drawings and photos, even though this will be representing a fiberglass mechanical horse. I have always had a tendency to prefer a lot of details in my work, a hold-over from when I used to draw. I want this horse to have some realistic elements, to represent the realism and excitement that a child's imagination brings to things when they play. Maybe also to represent how beautiful and magical things can appear, before our maturity demands more sophisticated wonders. In some ways, I am not sure that I want to be a "serious" woodworker…..I have fun with my carvings, and many of them make me smile. I guess we all have some of the children we used to be still inside us, that helps us not always be so serious, that helps us through tougher times.

I'll be finishing up some of the outside muscle groups when the glue dries and then will be working on the saddle. Thanks for looking!

Wood Creative arts Art Sculpture Clay
I am told ,as a child, I had a spring mounted plastic horse I named Thunderbolt and would watch cowboy movies and ride along with them
Great work so far, a horse is a challenge to draw let alone carve
 

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#28 ·
finishing muscle groups and starting the saddle

Hand Jaw Gesture Creative arts Finger


He's starting to look like a horse now, with the muscle groups indicated. I spent quite a bit of time getting the spacing better between the legs and defining the groups of muscles around the legs. A technique I like is to carve the lines and then to sand them so that you get a flowing muscle look instead of something defined by a line cut into the surface. I like to use my veiners for this and then carve or sand the edges back up to the center. Here are a few pictures.
Watch Jaw Gesture Finger Wood


Watch Hand Jaw Gesture Wood


When carving different things, it is sometimes helpful to have a model or something to "go by" as an example. I sometimes do clay or other types of models to work out my designs and I metioned before about researching and gathering pictures. But it can also be helpful to have a 3 dimensional example. I have a small plastic horse that I have used before in other carvings, just a toy, but with enough realistic features to really be quite helpful. You can find quite realistic toys of all sorts of animals that can be very helpful in carving.

When I completed the muscles, I started blocking out the saddle. It is very important to my design to have movement in the legs of the rider, so it is more critical to get him seated properly before working much on the saddle. You will not really see many details of the saddle when he is riding and I probably won't even carve stirrups. Real bronc busters don't use stirrups! I had to carve quite a bit away on the sides to get his legs to swinging. You can see the dowel in the picture above that will attach him to the saddle. Here is a picture of how he is sitting so far.
Eye Jaw Gesture Wood Toy


Now that I have him sitting properly, I can finish the saddle and blankets and such, before worrying about attaching the head. Thanks for looking!
 

Attachments

#29 ·
finishing muscle groups and starting the saddle

Hand Jaw Gesture Creative arts Finger


He's starting to look like a horse now, with the muscle groups indicated. I spent quite a bit of time getting the spacing better between the legs and defining the groups of muscles around the legs. A technique I like is to carve the lines and then to sand them so that you get a flowing muscle look instead of something defined by a line cut into the surface. I like to use my veiners for this and then carve or sand the edges back up to the center. Here are a few pictures.
Watch Jaw Gesture Finger Wood


Watch Hand Jaw Gesture Wood


When carving different things, it is sometimes helpful to have a model or something to "go by" as an example. I sometimes do clay or other types of models to work out my designs and I metioned before about researching and gathering pictures. But it can also be helpful to have a 3 dimensional example. I have a small plastic horse that I have used before in other carvings, just a toy, but with enough realistic features to really be quite helpful. You can find quite realistic toys of all sorts of animals that can be very helpful in carving.

When I completed the muscles, I started blocking out the saddle. It is very important to my design to have movement in the legs of the rider, so it is more critical to get him seated properly before working much on the saddle. You will not really see many details of the saddle when he is riding and I probably won't even carve stirrups. Real bronc busters don't use stirrups! I had to carve quite a bit away on the sides to get his legs to swinging. You can see the dowel in the picture above that will attach him to the saddle. Here is a picture of how he is sitting so far.
Eye Jaw Gesture Wood Toy


Now that I have him sitting properly, I can finish the saddle and blankets and such, before worrying about attaching the head. Thanks for looking!
Excellent job defining the muscle groups! Having grown up around horses I know what you are talking about.
 

Attachments

#35 ·
saddle completed and starting to get a head

Hand Jaw Gesture Finger Wood


Finished the simple details on the saddle and have the horn stuck in place temporarily. It may need to be cut down a bit more. I would normally do the stirrups, but you can't see many saddle details when the rider is mounted.

Sculpture Art Creative arts Chest Statue


I used a stoning technique on the cowboy's chaps to try and give the effect of angora or goat-skin chaps….may need to do it a bit heavier. "Stoning" is a process of using a dremel or other rotary tool with an abrasive wheel or cylinder and using just the edge to create a more realistic fur or hair look by making little squiggles and overlapping groups of hair. I use a process that I was shown, where you deliberately bend the shaft of the burr, so that it wobbles randomly at a slow speed, and creates more randomness in the hair. Takes a little practice, but looks good.

Hand Toy Gesture Artifact Wood


I have cut out my blank for the head a little over-sized and with the neck a little long, so they can be adjusted as necessary. I think I will do more of a flowing mane. You can see some of the starting cuts used to rough out the basic planes and shapes. I use a utility knife for a lot of this.

Hand Watch Sculpture Jaw Wood


I like the sharp and slightly flexible blades of this knife and it is really surprising what you can do with it, after a little practice. You have some advantages when using multiple pieces of wood for a carving, in addition to strength. It makes it very easy to modify your design for the best look. I can leave the head straight as shown above, or I can turn it slightly to make the carving more interesting. With the head turned it looks like the rider may be trying to turn him, or the horse is trying to reach back and bite the little fellow! You might give me more points for technical difficulty, if I carved it from a single block of wood, but I feel that you actually have more creative freedom when you are not limited by the physical constraints of the grain and sometimes even the size of the wood. I am more concerned about the appearance and the strength and longevity of the piece, than the methods.

Wood Working animal Sculpture Creative arts Art


Thanks for looking!
 

Attachments

#36 ·
saddle completed and starting to get a head

Hand Jaw Gesture Finger Wood


Finished the simple details on the saddle and have the horn stuck in place temporarily. It may need to be cut down a bit more. I would normally do the stirrups, but you can't see many saddle details when the rider is mounted.

Sculpture Art Creative arts Chest Statue


I used a stoning technique on the cowboy's chaps to try and give the effect of angora or goat-skin chaps….may need to do it a bit heavier. "Stoning" is a process of using a dremel or other rotary tool with an abrasive wheel or cylinder and using just the edge to create a more realistic fur or hair look by making little squiggles and overlapping groups of hair. I use a process that I was shown, where you deliberately bend the shaft of the burr, so that it wobbles randomly at a slow speed, and creates more randomness in the hair. Takes a little practice, but looks good.

Hand Toy Gesture Artifact Wood


I have cut out my blank for the head a little over-sized and with the neck a little long, so they can be adjusted as necessary. I think I will do more of a flowing mane. You can see some of the starting cuts used to rough out the basic planes and shapes. I use a utility knife for a lot of this.

Hand Watch Sculpture Jaw Wood


I like the sharp and slightly flexible blades of this knife and it is really surprising what you can do with it, after a little practice. You have some advantages when using multiple pieces of wood for a carving, in addition to strength. It makes it very easy to modify your design for the best look. I can leave the head straight as shown above, or I can turn it slightly to make the carving more interesting. With the head turned it looks like the rider may be trying to turn him, or the horse is trying to reach back and bite the little fellow! You might give me more points for technical difficulty, if I carved it from a single block of wood, but I feel that you actually have more creative freedom when you are not limited by the physical constraints of the grain and sometimes even the size of the wood. I am more concerned about the appearance and the strength and longevity of the piece, than the methods.

Wood Working animal Sculpture Creative arts Art


Thanks for looking!
its looking really good mike..when i see the large block of wood your working with…it just kinda intimidates me and then to see what you did with it and turned it into a beautiful carving…its really quite cool to me…its having that eye i guess to be able to see what it will be …from what it is…all part of being a true carving artist…thanks for sharing this process …i might learn something yet…grizz
 

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#46 ·
Shrinking Heads?

I quickly discovered I had way too much wood for this head, much too wide! So I spent a lot of time whittling it down to a better fit! I may have to shrink it a bit more, but I am still mainly trying to get the rough shapes. Better too much than not enough I suppose. I did add some difficulty to the carving by choosing to do the mane like I have.

Sculpture Creative arts Working animal Art Statue


Horse Jaw Ear Gesture Wood


With a mane that just lays down on the neck, you can just round over and shape the neck, then carve your hair out of that. Since this sticks up, I have to carve around it…....making v cuts to shape the round taper of the back of the neck and still leave enough to do the curls and swirls in the mane itself. It makes it more difficult to get to certain areas and also can make it a little delicate where it meets the head. But I have a love of carousel horses, especially those carved by Dentzel and the Philidelphia Toboggan Company with this style of mane. I occasionally get frustrated with some of my carvings, but I have learned it is sometimes easier to do larger carvings than it is smaller ones. Smaller work uses less wood, but requires more accuracy…cutting off 1/4" on the nose of a life size carving has less of an impact than it does on one this size.

Hand Jaw Toy Creative arts Natural material


You can see a little better in this how I want the mane to look and also the simple cuts that define the planes of the head. Separating the ears and removing a few triangles of wood make it start to look more horsey-fied. Unless I shrink it too much! Thanks for looking.
 

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#47 ·
Shrinking Heads?

I quickly discovered I had way too much wood for this head, much too wide! So I spent a lot of time whittling it down to a better fit! I may have to shrink it a bit more, but I am still mainly trying to get the rough shapes. Better too much than not enough I suppose. I did add some difficulty to the carving by choosing to do the mane like I have.

Sculpture Creative arts Working animal Art Statue


Horse Jaw Ear Gesture Wood


With a mane that just lays down on the neck, you can just round over and shape the neck, then carve your hair out of that. Since this sticks up, I have to carve around it…....making v cuts to shape the round taper of the back of the neck and still leave enough to do the curls and swirls in the mane itself. It makes it more difficult to get to certain areas and also can make it a little delicate where it meets the head. But I have a love of carousel horses, especially those carved by Dentzel and the Philidelphia Toboggan Company with this style of mane. I occasionally get frustrated with some of my carvings, but I have learned it is sometimes easier to do larger carvings than it is smaller ones. Smaller work uses less wood, but requires more accuracy…cutting off 1/4" on the nose of a life size carving has less of an impact than it does on one this size.

Hand Jaw Toy Creative arts Natural material


You can see a little better in this how I want the mane to look and also the simple cuts that define the planes of the head. Separating the ears and removing a few triangles of wood make it start to look more horsey-fied. Unless I shrink it too much! Thanks for looking.
I am impressed with you talent.
 

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#50 ·
Heads Up!

Toy Jaw Horse Gesture Creative arts


I got the head finished and glued on this weekend! It turned out ok…ears may be a bit long?
You may notice that the ears are slightly darker…...they were soaked with the thin CA glue after carving, to strengthen this delicate area. Pretty sturdy now.

Horse Jaw Toy Creative arts Working animal


Carving is "subtractive-sculpture" in that you take away wood to create. And a lot of what you "see" is what is also the negative spaces created. The shadows that are created give depth and create illusions of bone, nostrils, and facial planes.

Hand Gesture Finger Thumb Knee


I drilled a 1/8" hole in the bottom of the head, positioned it at the angle I wanted, and then glued it up using a piece of old inner-tube as a clamp.

Watch Jaw Working animal Sculpture Gesture


And here is the piece after the glue line has been carved and sanded. You can barely see it in certain areas now, but the edge if the blanket and normally the mane are used to disguise it usually. It will be completely invisibile after applying gesso and paint. I felt like the mane didn't quite come down far enough to the saddle, so I carved and added an additional piece to the mane at the bottom…..I'm still looking at it and will probably re-carve or re-move that piece.

Horse Jaw Statue Creative arts Sculpture


Here is how it is looking over-all…should be getting the tail on next. I have a lot completed, but there remains quite a bit…....the base, the mechanism for movement, the hat, paint, and finish. And whatever else I decide to change, remove, or add! But I am enjoying the process, despite my protests!
 

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#51 ·
Heads Up!

Toy Jaw Horse Gesture Creative arts


I got the head finished and glued on this weekend! It turned out ok…ears may be a bit long?
You may notice that the ears are slightly darker…...they were soaked with the thin CA glue after carving, to strengthen this delicate area. Pretty sturdy now.

Horse Jaw Toy Creative arts Working animal


Carving is "subtractive-sculpture" in that you take away wood to create. And a lot of what you "see" is what is also the negative spaces created. The shadows that are created give depth and create illusions of bone, nostrils, and facial planes.

Hand Gesture Finger Thumb Knee


I drilled a 1/8" hole in the bottom of the head, positioned it at the angle I wanted, and then glued it up using a piece of old inner-tube as a clamp.

Watch Jaw Working animal Sculpture Gesture


And here is the piece after the glue line has been carved and sanded. You can barely see it in certain areas now, but the edge if the blanket and normally the mane are used to disguise it usually. It will be completely invisibile after applying gesso and paint. I felt like the mane didn't quite come down far enough to the saddle, so I carved and added an additional piece to the mane at the bottom…..I'm still looking at it and will probably re-carve or re-move that piece.

Horse Jaw Statue Creative arts Sculpture


Here is how it is looking over-all…should be getting the tail on next. I have a lot completed, but there remains quite a bit…....the base, the mechanism for movement, the hat, paint, and finish. And whatever else I decide to change, remove, or add! But I am enjoying the process, despite my protests!
it's a beauty!
 

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#57 ·
a Tail at last!

Head Horse Wood Creative arts Working animal


We got a little snow in Arkansas today, so I finally had an opportunity to get a bit more done. He does look better with a tail, just like a few of you suggested! I was able to use an 1/8" dowel for joining it to the body and I feel better about it being more solid. Rather than just butting it together with the dowel as a tenon of sorts, I outlined the base of the tail on the rump and then carved a hole for it to fit into. A little carving and sanding after the glue dried made this joint look very nice and smooth.

Watch Jaw Statue Gesture Sculpture


I turned the tail slightly to the side to give it more the appearance of a bucking horse, trying to unseat the unfortunate fool on his back. I'll seal it and put a couple of coats of gesso on it in a few days. Just as I enjoy different styles and forms of wood carving, I also like to use different styles of painting. I do a lot of carvings by dipping them in water and then using acrylic paints directly on the damp wood, for a more washed out effect that lets the wood grain show through. On other things, I use gesso as an undercoat to make the colors brighter and truer, by having the white as the base, rather than the color of the wood. It also can help joint lines completely disappear. Some bird carvers use a similar process.

Wood Rectangle Plant Font Creative arts


I have did a few sketches and I did a little test run with the design of the mechanisms that will move the horse and rider. I am thinking about leaving them exposed since kids of all ages seem to be fascinated but how they move. I am planning on using a couple of wooden gears in an appropriate ratio to give several turns of the crankshaft to one rotation of the handle. The gears were from Matthias Wandel's template generator. The smaller gear will be the driving gear for the crankshaft, but I will make the crankshaft wheels a little bigger than shown to get a wider range of motion from the shaft. The shaft will go through a base and will probably be guled directly to the belly of the horse. I may use some other idea though, that will make it more servicable, in case probelms arise or something wears out.
 

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#58 ·
a Tail at last!

Head Horse Wood Creative arts Working animal


We got a little snow in Arkansas today, so I finally had an opportunity to get a bit more done. He does look better with a tail, just like a few of you suggested! I was able to use an 1/8" dowel for joining it to the body and I feel better about it being more solid. Rather than just butting it together with the dowel as a tenon of sorts, I outlined the base of the tail on the rump and then carved a hole for it to fit into. A little carving and sanding after the glue dried made this joint look very nice and smooth.

Watch Jaw Statue Gesture Sculpture


I turned the tail slightly to the side to give it more the appearance of a bucking horse, trying to unseat the unfortunate fool on his back. I'll seal it and put a couple of coats of gesso on it in a few days. Just as I enjoy different styles and forms of wood carving, I also like to use different styles of painting. I do a lot of carvings by dipping them in water and then using acrylic paints directly on the damp wood, for a more washed out effect that lets the wood grain show through. On other things, I use gesso as an undercoat to make the colors brighter and truer, by having the white as the base, rather than the color of the wood. It also can help joint lines completely disappear. Some bird carvers use a similar process.

Wood Rectangle Plant Font Creative arts


I have did a few sketches and I did a little test run with the design of the mechanisms that will move the horse and rider. I am thinking about leaving them exposed since kids of all ages seem to be fascinated but how they move. I am planning on using a couple of wooden gears in an appropriate ratio to give several turns of the crankshaft to one rotation of the handle. The gears were from Matthias Wandel's template generator. The smaller gear will be the driving gear for the crankshaft, but I will make the crankshaft wheels a little bigger than shown to get a wider range of motion from the shaft. The shaft will go through a base and will probably be guled directly to the belly of the horse. I may use some other idea though, that will make it more servicable, in case probelms arise or something wears out.
Yea i agree, leave it so you can see it. I think it means more when you can see just how it works. And yes sooooo much better looking with the tail on !
 

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#62 ·
Mechanics completed !

Wood Gas Machine Electronic instrument Metal


Thanks to unusual snow-fall amounts in Arkansas, I've had a few days off and have been able to get the mechanics and a good portion of the base completed. I am a better wood-carver than I am a wood-worker, but I keep trying, thanks to all the inspiring projects people post on Lumberjocks! The construction and design are pretty simple, which is about all I can handle. I wanted a base that would be steady, when the toy is cranked, and I wanted it to be a little tall, to attract attention and to allow the mechanics to be viewed.

Wood Gas Musical instrument Space Machine


The gears, bushings, and cam are all from birch plywood, with few miscellaneous pieces of maple and pear. The stand itself is yellow pine and the legs are basswood. I wanted the gears to draw attention, but the main focal point will be the horse and rider, so I wanted to use a natural finish that let the colors and grain of the wood show through. I liked the contrast of the grain in the pine, but I wanted to make it a little more fun, a little more exotic in appearance. So I decided to play a little bit with some red dye. It ranges from pinkish-brown on the face of the pine to a reddish-purple on the end grain. I like the faded look it has in some areas and the rich red around the gears and cam. The basswood has very subtle graining that compliments and contrasts, I think, with the other wood.

Wood Hardwood Wood stain Pattern House


The mechanics are very simple, but they operate smoothly and will give the motion that I am looking for to the horse, which will be mounted on the rod that will be operated by the cam. I am thinking about either using basswood for the top of this stand, in order to give it a better flow. Any advice on this? Should I use something else with more color on the top ( lacewood, walnut, paduak, cherry are what I have) ? Or would it be too much… too many different things… too distracting? Thanks for looking!
 

Attachments

#63 ·
Mechanics completed !

Wood Gas Machine Electronic instrument Metal


Thanks to unusual snow-fall amounts in Arkansas, I've had a few days off and have been able to get the mechanics and a good portion of the base completed. I am a better wood-carver than I am a wood-worker, but I keep trying, thanks to all the inspiring projects people post on Lumberjocks! The construction and design are pretty simple, which is about all I can handle. I wanted a base that would be steady, when the toy is cranked, and I wanted it to be a little tall, to attract attention and to allow the mechanics to be viewed.

Wood Gas Musical instrument Space Machine


The gears, bushings, and cam are all from birch plywood, with few miscellaneous pieces of maple and pear. The stand itself is yellow pine and the legs are basswood. I wanted the gears to draw attention, but the main focal point will be the horse and rider, so I wanted to use a natural finish that let the colors and grain of the wood show through. I liked the contrast of the grain in the pine, but I wanted to make it a little more fun, a little more exotic in appearance. So I decided to play a little bit with some red dye. It ranges from pinkish-brown on the face of the pine to a reddish-purple on the end grain. I like the faded look it has in some areas and the rich red around the gears and cam. The basswood has very subtle graining that compliments and contrasts, I think, with the other wood.

Wood Hardwood Wood stain Pattern House


The mechanics are very simple, but they operate smoothly and will give the motion that I am looking for to the horse, which will be mounted on the rod that will be operated by the cam. I am thinking about either using basswood for the top of this stand, in order to give it a better flow. Any advice on this? Should I use something else with more color on the top ( lacewood, walnut, paduak, cherry are what I have) ? Or would it be too much… too many different things… too distracting? Thanks for looking!
that looks good as it is.
Have you had it going yet?
 

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#69 ·
Almost ready for paint

Hat Sculpture Toy Statue Sun hat


I'm starting to get close to completion. I got the base finished and made a few adjustments to the mechanism. I got the hat on the cowboy, which is an interesting little process. You basically take your beautifully carved little head and slice the top off with a bandsaw! A disc sander then helps you get it nice and flat to fit in a recess carved in the bottom of the brim, which is separate from the crown of the hat. You might be able to make out the buttons and end of the belt that have been added. The buttons are small wire brads inserted into the burned button-holes on the shirt and the end of the belt is a piece of copper that was bent and sanded to shape to give the impression of the end of the belt flopping out (they will all be painted).

Horse Wood Toy Working animal Art


Here are some views of how it will look over all, finally giving you some idea of the size and such. I decided to try and keep the colors of the top similar to the base and ended up using the piece I cut out of the bottom. I wanted it to be shaped similar to a base used with the mechanical horses and I wanted to expose the gears and cams as part of the visual effect. This seems to be sort of a Japanese Moon bridge type effect…with kind of a mirrored image thing. I am able at this point to do some motion testing and I ended up adding a piece of leather to dampen some of the sound and vibration when the dowel the horse rides on returns to the rear down position. Since nothing is glued on the figure at this point, I have to be very careful when operating it, so that little cowboy body parts are not flung across the shop!

Horse World Temple Wood Sculpture


Hat Wood Sculpture Statue Art


I have sealed the horse, applied a coat of gesso, and sanded it a bit before starting the woodburning of details. I use a pyrograpic pen for several purposes…..it adds shadows and details and it also prevents paint in one area from bleeding to others. I use a very light touch for some areas, like the face and clothing, and different types of hair. But I also use it like a hot carving knife, to define certain shadows and depths on the mane and tail. I will put another coat of gesso on the horse and over the elements burned on the mane and tail, but will probably over-burn those details again to add realism.

Thanks for looking!
 

Attachments

#70 ·
Almost ready for paint

Hat Sculpture Toy Statue Sun hat


I'm starting to get close to completion. I got the base finished and made a few adjustments to the mechanism. I got the hat on the cowboy, which is an interesting little process. You basically take your beautifully carved little head and slice the top off with a bandsaw! A disc sander then helps you get it nice and flat to fit in a recess carved in the bottom of the brim, which is separate from the crown of the hat. You might be able to make out the buttons and end of the belt that have been added. The buttons are small wire brads inserted into the burned button-holes on the shirt and the end of the belt is a piece of copper that was bent and sanded to shape to give the impression of the end of the belt flopping out (they will all be painted).

Horse Wood Toy Working animal Art


Here are some views of how it will look over all, finally giving you some idea of the size and such. I decided to try and keep the colors of the top similar to the base and ended up using the piece I cut out of the bottom. I wanted it to be shaped similar to a base used with the mechanical horses and I wanted to expose the gears and cams as part of the visual effect. This seems to be sort of a Japanese Moon bridge type effect…with kind of a mirrored image thing. I am able at this point to do some motion testing and I ended up adding a piece of leather to dampen some of the sound and vibration when the dowel the horse rides on returns to the rear down position. Since nothing is glued on the figure at this point, I have to be very careful when operating it, so that little cowboy body parts are not flung across the shop!

Horse World Temple Wood Sculpture


Hat Wood Sculpture Statue Art


I have sealed the horse, applied a coat of gesso, and sanded it a bit before starting the woodburning of details. I use a pyrograpic pen for several purposes…..it adds shadows and details and it also prevents paint in one area from bleeding to others. I use a very light touch for some areas, like the face and clothing, and different types of hair. But I also use it like a hot carving knife, to define certain shadows and depths on the mane and tail. I will put another coat of gesso on the horse and over the elements burned on the mane and tail, but will probably over-burn those details again to add realism.

Thanks for looking!
Very nice as always! Thanks for taking along for the "ride" !!
 

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#79 ·
---Thunderbolt completed!

Horse Toy Hat Working animal Horse tack


I finally finished the paint and assembly and here is the completed piece! I'm really pleased with the over all look of the piece and how it turned out, although I might make some changes in future mechanisms. The action is pretty realistic and I learned the true meaning of being "glued to the saddle".....this cowboy would always get bucked off until the application of some glue to the seat of his pants. Here are a few pictures and a link to the video. I really appreciate everyone's encouragement on this project!

Hat Toy Art Headgear Horse


Wood Art Toy Font Working animal


Horse Hat Human body Working animal Horse tack


...and here is the video!

 

Attachments

#80 ·
---Thunderbolt completed!



I finally finished the paint and assembly and here is the completed piece! I'm really pleased with the over all look of the piece and how it turned out, although I might make some changes in future mechanisms. The action is pretty realistic and I learned the true meaning of being "glued to the saddle".....this cowboy would always get bucked off until the application of some glue to the seat of his pants. Here are a few pictures and a link to the video. I really appreciate everyone's encouragement on this project!







...and here is the video!

too awesome work buddy…..
 

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