New with pics to show

[Mike-in-WV]

Hi Folks, I'm new to this site and just placed some pics on the Phototrail woodspirit site for you all to see. Hope to learn a few things from some of you pro carvers.
I have been carving for the past three years or so, should say I have been trying to carve for the past three years
My carvings are all hand carved as I just enjoy doing it the old way I guess. Woodspirits are my favorite. My tools are a pocket knife and a few good palm tools from wood crafters.
My painting of the wood spirits is done with stains, paints and color pencil blending and hand rubbing then sealed with 4 coats of water base poly and then waxed.
These pics are a few of my first. The keeper of the keys wood spirit is a Walnut knot I found and it's 12' high.
The wood spirit staff is from River Birch (One of my favorite woods to carve) and the spirit on top is carved in the round and the relief carving's run down the staff.
Carved several of these but they took me so long it was hard to make any money from them. Sold them for $90.00 each.
Thanks for takeing a look and let me know what you think.
Your honest openions help me learn. Thank's again, Mike
[ftp][/ftp]http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=1678371&uid=731540

[groozier]

Welcome to the board from one West Virginian to another. Those are some nice looking carvings.
groozier

[Mike-in-WV]

Thank's Groozer. have much to learn but I believe this site will help with that. Seems to be some great folks on here. What part of 'Almost Heaven' are you in? I live in Wallback or actually Valley Fork in Clay county. Mike

[groozier]

I'm 13 miles west of Beckley, in Glen Daniel, in Raleigh Co. Do you belong to any carving clubs? I've been trying to find a club to join. I have not had any luck finding a club in this area.
groozier

Mike -- Glad you found us and figured out PictureTrail. Your relief carvings are lovely. Thanks for sharing.

Mike, Nice to have you on board and posting pic's.

Your pieces look real nice, detail around the stick is great, and I've never tried colored pencils yet but will give it a shot, I know some wood burners use them for coloring alot of the time.

Coffeeman

Welcome and nie work Mike. I especially like the stick, it's great!

Good job really like the walnut spirit. Walnut is one of my favorite woods to carve takes detail so well. Nice to have you aboard and look forward to seeing more of your work.
Colin

[Carvity_Carve]

I'm going to have to try my hand at carving staves someday, because that staff is really NEAT! Love the coloring.

[Mike-in-WV]

Thank's for the replys folks. These are some of my first ones and I have come a way's since then but still learning new things every day.
Goozier, No clubs around here that I know of. I'll bet there are a few in Parkersburg area due to Wood Crafters being there.
I know your area , If you find any clubs let me know and I'll do the same. Mike