What books to buy for starting out caricature carving?

You might look at something like this , but the techniques you use and learn for different carvings apply to your own designs as well. You’ll see a variety of artists and tools and stuff at Dayton… you might look for study sticks that show a variety of noses, mouths, and eyes. Sometimes it is easier to start by copying a particular style or by using a roughed out piece to start with. It gives you a head start on some of the difficult areas and you have a design or goal to go by. That doesn’t mean you have to stick to that design or that you can’t modify it to make your own. Lynn Doughty has a variety of free videos teaching his style of carving. And lastly you might consider a seminar as a way to jumpstart your knowledge and skills in this area. You are typically carving from one of their roughouts, but it is an opportunity to learn techniques from talented carvers. Steve Brown puts on the “Renegade Roundup” several times a year. Carve one day with each of these instructors: Chris Hammack, Mark Akers, Mitch Cartledge, Gary Falin and Jon nelson. This is a Caricature Carving Experience. Rich Smithson owner of Helvie Knives will be there with his knives and 2 other members of the CCA will also be there all week. Helvie is holding a contest for carved knife handles and the judging will also be held at the event.

-- Mike P., Arkansas, http://mpounders1.blogspot.com

Floyd Rahdigan is the President of the Caricature Carvers of America. He also has classes and Books.

-- www.carvingandturningsbyrick.com, Rick Kruse, Grand Rapids, MI