I've now got some downtime and wanted to do something different for my next carving/gilding project. I want to carve this whale, in 3 dimensions, and mounted proud of a rectangular plaque. It should be 12-18" long, with all of the detailed carved into it.

I'll be following. Always enjoy and appreciate your carving projects.

Yep, get on it Frederick!!!

For a moment I was afraid you were gonna do it full size! (And once again, everyone gets to see why me Missus says I am not as funny as I think I am!)

Sounds like a whale of a job !

The work continues! I've stretched out the length whale, from the photo, to make it look better(?). I've attached a glue block to the front of the carving so that I may carve(using basswood) the backside first(practice?) and will then attach it to my carving arm. The front side will then be done before everything is gilded/painted. It will be mounted proud of the plaque for effect.

Gonna be another supurb piece if art. Will be eagerly following your progress.

4 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

Gonna be another supurb piece if art. Will be eagerly following your progress.

 

X2

Can't wait to see this in person!!

24 minutes ago, lew said:

Can't wait to see this in person!!

IIRC, Jonah said something like that

1 hour ago, lew said:

Can't wait to see this in person!!

And...... a cold beverage will accompany that viewing!

1 hour ago, FrederickH said:

And...... a cold beverage will accompany that viewing!

Yes sir,..straight down my alley . Love the subject matter here. Also love that you cut it out from the get go by hand. So I already have a question or 2. Is that a fret saw or jeweler's saw and does it matter here?         Following 

41 minutes ago, aaronc said:

Yes sir,..straight down my alley . Love the subject matter here. Also love that you cut it out from the get go by hand. So I already have a question or 2. Is that a fret saw or jeweler's saw and does it matter here?         Following 

Coping saw with a 12 tooth blade. Not sure that the saw type makes a difference, except for the tooth count.

Here's where I'm at with the carving. I'm doing the backside first, so that I make my mistakes there and "shouldn't" be seen. You can see the two holes, that were drilled for the two posts, that are going to hold the carving proud of the plaque. I've done some light sanding around the tail area and have to finish-carve the eyes/fin areas. The whale will face to the left on the plaque.

Looking great. 

Great progress. Excellent detail work thus far on the teeth. Impressive!

Carving finished to the back. Glue block added to the back, so that I may work on the front side.

What a great-looking shop.  

 

Coming along nicely Frederick. You have a great vision for the details.