April 26, 2021 by DECarlson

Parfrey’s Glen

We returned to a favorite place, which is rougher than it once was before a flood swept away what had been a trail. We were looking for ephemerals. We found a few, and rocks!

We identified marsh marigold and may apple.

March 2, 2021 by DECarlson

Working on watercolor

I’ve been trying smaller format hot press paper recently. This is from our sanity walks during quarantine. Nine Springs Creek.

February 2, 2021 by DECarlson

Observing

I needed a walk. It was about 32, but sunny. This walk is near our house.

July 18, 2020 by DECarlson

Mad Forge

I was able to start with my forge today. I made tongs for holding material. I also started two pieces of stock for future use.

I’ll need to make 2 or 3 tongs for differently shaped material.

Stay tuned

April 15, 2020 by DECarlson

The Life of a Seed

The acorn results in the oak.

They are not the same, but there is continuity.

The red of the acorn remains but is fractured and faded in the bark.

The small and smooth becomes tall and rough.

The oak has become a host for vines and lichen.

This is for a show entitled “The Life of a Seed” at Christ Presbyterian Church, Madison, WI. This was scheduled for Lent and Easter, but will be installed and remain in place after the Covid-19 Stay at Home restrictions are relieved.

Both pieces are carved in basswood and painted in acrylics.

March 23, 2020 by DECarlson

Progress on “Oak”

I’m making up the process as I go. Using photo reference transferred with graphite paper, I set in the deep crevices. Bark is rough, so I have to avoid the temptation to smooth things out. Next I textured the surface with a small u shaped gouge. Now I will come in and create intermediate sized crevices and clean up the two vines. That will be as far as I can go with carving. After that will be painting.

Texturing in progress
Deep crevices.

Progress

Continue reading →

March 15, 2020 by DECarlson

Carving during the virus

Now, looking on the positive, there is time to work on carving progress.

Process, photo, transfer, deep crevices first.

This is “Oak” the second piece in “The Life of a Seed”.

March 9, 2020 by DECarlson

The life of a seed

I’ve been invited to participate in a show for Lent and Easter with the title, “The Life of a Seed”. Part one is an acorn in relief. Part two is a segment of an oak tree. This is before and after. Acorn will hang during Lent at Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison. The show will be rehung at Easter with the before and after pieces together.

The oak tree is a close up of a tree at the Farley Center.