Since getting a live edge slab with minimal defects and mess is difficult I made my own.  These were cut from a 5/4 x 12 x 48 glued up oak board (both cut from the same board).  The "bark" is textured and painted kona brown.  Just wish i was a better painter.

Looks pretty good John, although something about face grain on a wood slice tickles my "is that real?" meter. 

Painting good just comes with practice.   I let my ex mother-in-law handle any painting I needed done as she's been painting for 60+ years.

4D

Hard too choose John but I'll accept either. Nicely done and great to have you posting here again.

Are you kidding??? I think it looks great!

I like the top one better, but that is not to suggest there is anything less spectacular about the bottom one.

I think the painted one is going to be a one and done.  Takes too much time and ......... it's hard.  I personally like the stained one better too.

That is great what you done to mimic a live edge, very creative.  Put me down as a vote for the top one also.

That is very creative. And you are a lot better painter than I !

Paul

Great job John! I think the bottom one has a lot of character (that’s a good thing) I like the top better. You paint ALOT better than I could ever do.