Opinion wanted !!

[Multifasited]

Trying something different ,Working from a photo ,of an Owl sitting in the woods next to my shop ,I scrolled a bi-level cut-out ,now the question arrises ,How to finish it ?Wood burning ,is one option ,Painting another ,I even thought about a third level ,

before doing either ,another option would be to do a light yellowish green faded, back drop ,and have many small saplings cut into the colored  backdrop .I thought I would post and get input of those or other suggestions !

[Dan]

I think the owl is a great centerpiece for this project, so I wouldn't add too much detail to the trees or background. The only wood burning I am capable of is in a fire pit, but I think burning the detail into the owl is a great idea. 

[Ron Johnson]

Good day Carl

 

You've done well cutting from a photo. Not sure what type of wood you've used but as for burning the details in I find Baltic Birch ply is most suitable. If this is not Baltic Birch and if you are comfortable painting then I would paint all the details in and add a suitable plain back to compliment. Finally, depending on thickness of wood you've used I would set within a simple matted frame. This is my opinion and others may have better ideas.

[Multifasited]

Good day Carl

 

You've done well cutting from a photo. Not sure what type of wood you've used but as for burning the details in I find Baltic Birch ply is most suitable. If this is not Baltic Birch and if you are comfortable painting then I would paint all the details in and add a suitable plain back to compliment. Finally, depending on thickness of wood you've used I would set within a simple matted frame. This is my opinion and others may have better ideas.

Ron ,Its 1/4"luwan ply ,I went ahead and added a inhancing layer to the Owl ,as soon as glue dries and shaping is finished I post ,It needed that for sure so right now it's 1/2" thick ,now the Owl is too ,so front to back the owls is raised another 1/4" to 3/4 ".

Edited February 19, 2014 by Multifasited

[Ron Johnson]

Ron ,Its 1/4"luwan ply ,I went ahead and added a inhancing layer to the Owl ,as soon as glue dries and shaping is finished I post ,It needed that for so right now it's 1/2" thick ,now the Owl is too ,so front to back the owls is raised another 1/4" to 3/4 ".

Since you are at that thickness one other suggestion would be using a dremel with a carving bit and lightly cut the details. I've done this on a Latin cross and the wood was 1/2 " oak. After cutting the details you'll know if a stain is needed to bring out the highlights or not. As for the cross I had done no stain was required. Very effective.

[Bendita]

Uhuh Uhuh I totally agree with Ron 

[Ron Johnson]

Ron ,Its 1/4"luwan ply ,I went ahead and added a inhancing layer to the Owl ,as soon as glue dries and shaping is finished I post ,It needed that for sure so right now it's 1/2" thick ,now the Owl is too ,so front to back the owls is raised another 1/4" to 3/4 ".

Now seeing the owl raised out a little, take your time making a decision for I see this project could turn out fabulous for you as I am sure with your talent it will. All the best.

[Multifasited]

Now seeing the owl raised out a little, take your time making a decision for I see this project could turn out fabulous for you as I am sure with your talent it will. All the best.

 

Well Ron, I got option ! roughed in !

Edited February 20, 2014 by Multifasited

[amazingkevin]

wow that's a gem and a half,what a remarkable out come i'd never dreamed of! ! :thumbs:

[heppnerguy]

you took a rather flat but well cut piece and developed into a standout interesting piece. I like where you have taken it. interesting to watch it develope into what it is.

 

Dick

heppnerguy

[Ron Johnson]

Well Ron, I got option ! roughed in !

That is really fantastic Carl. Looking forward to seeing it when completed. Great.

[rjR]

GREAT WORK and wonderful ideas.

 

I would add a little emphasis here and there with a wood burner.  CAREFUL; easy to overdo.. Do a little --walk across the room and look at it from there, before you add any more!

 

It really helps to back away for a better view!

 

Really WANT to see the finished result!

 

I bet a bunch others are also.

Edited February 20, 2014 by rjR

[Multifasited]

rjR ,  Excellent advice ,pretains to Carving & Painting  as well! A you can see ,I am going the painted route ,I got it roughed in ,Now to detail ,glue up and frame . Interesting project ,so far ,now to walk around the room a few more times and review the options ,then proceed  ! 

[Ron Johnson]

rjR ,  Excellent advice ,pretains to Carving & Painting  as well! A you can see ,I am going the painted route ,I got it roughed in ,Now to detail ,glue up and frame . Interesting project ,so far ,now to walk around the room a few more times and review the options ,then proceed  !

 

Really coming along nicely Carl.

[Sparkey]

Very nice Carl. I love the stacking idea, I never thought of that. Ireally like the way it is turning out.

[Multifasited]

Very nice Carl. I love the stacking idea, I never thought of that. Ireally like the way it is turning out.

Option TWO ,So many things to consider ,sneeking up on it !

[Wilson's Woodworking]

WOW you might be sneaking up on it but the outcome is wonderful. I love how it is turning out.      

[Ron Johnson]

Option TWO ,So many things to consider ,sneeking up on it !

Plain background really changes the emphasis on the owl compared to your painted background.

[Multifasited]

Plain background really changes the emphasis on the owl compared to your painted background.

Lighter colors ,on the trees ,differing hues ,different back grounds ,so much you can do with colors & shades ,to accomplish totally different results and effects ,the best part about paint is that is only paint and can be redone ,over and over again ,unlike most other mediums ,once you cut it too much or burn it to dark ,your pretty much stuck . That was the major reason I decided to paint it.

[Multifasited]

Plain background really changes the emphasis on the owl compared to your painted background.

Lighter colors ,on the trees ,differing hues ,different back grounds ,so much you can do with colors & shades ,to accomplish totally different results and effects ,the best part about paint is that is only paint and can be redone ,over and over again ,unlike most other mediums ,once you cut it too much or burn it to dark ,your pretty much stuck . That was the major reason I decided to paint it.

 

I think now I start working on the frame ,and see what effects that has before getting carried away any further with other details ! 

Edited February 21, 2014 by Multifasited

[Ron Johnson]

Lighter colors ,on the trees ,differing hues ,different back grounds ,so much you can do with colors & shades ,to accomplish totally different results and effects ,the best part about paint is that is only paint and can be redone ,over and over again ,unlike most other mediums ,once you cut it too much or burn it to dark ,your pretty much stuck . That was the major reason I decided to paint it.

 

I think now I start working on the frame ,and see what effects that has before getting carried away any further with other details ! 

"Wow", now that is talent. Keep it going Carl.

[Multifasited]

The uncertainity of doing something different ,I may want to darken the outer background ,behind the vines ?

Edited February 23, 2014 by Multifasited

[Dennis Key]

Looks good ... you said something about wood burning in you earlier post... if you still have your pattern try burning one too  that way you will have 2 different views from the same picture  ..I have some pictures that I want to do some scroll work on and also burn and maybe add a little paint or colored pencils  just to add a little color   ....  Great Job

[LarryEA]

It was nice watching this and seeing the art develop.

 

Larry

[rjR]

I would use a varied brown to grey shaded hues for the frame; keeping the shading mostly light with only random thin darker splotches(Lines-- blobs) in a few places.

 

Maybe even use a "barn wood" type of coloring.

 

I still think you have a great project.