Buffalo Feathers

[ClayB]

I showed this picture before the crash, and was asked if I did a tutorial on it. I hadn't, but decided to carve it again, and I am trying to remember to take pictures and write down what I am doing as I go. Not sure when it will be finished, but I'll post the how to when I get it done. For now, here is the pattern, and the buffalo carved. I got the idea from the tattoo book that Tandy is selling. The hair on that buffalo reminded me of feathers, so I decided, why not?

[Beaverslayer]

WOW...no I mean WOOOOOW. Clay, you have mentioned in another post about having work by the "Masters" on your wall. Well Clay, in my humble opinion, you are one of the "Masters". That is just awesome.

I am curious, did you emboss it as well, if soo, how?

Ken

[ClayB]

Thanks Ken, but really, I am still learning and feel like I have a long ways to go. This picture is embossed. The leather was pushed out from the back side. Then the cavity that was formed is filled with putty made from ground up leather and rubber cement. The buffalo is also cut loose on from the background from the tip of the nose to the back of the hump. Then that area is filled with putty too, giving the picture even more depth. The hard part then is trying to hide the putty by giving it the same texture as the carved leather. Then if you can paint it right, it's hard to tell the putty from the leather. Jan Schoonover is the master at that. Check out his website at sculpturedleather.com

When I get this done, I should have a very in depth step by step to show and it should answer most any questions you have about this technique.

Clay

[freak]

Clay my man, i gotta tell ya... I love the fact that you're so humble and sometimes i don't think you really know how good you are and how luck we are to have you here. That's a little out there some may say, with it having feathers on it's head and all. Other buffalo may call him a freak. I like , i like it alot. Not just the idea but your work as well. I look forward to seeing the finish master piece and read the how to write up.

buffalo always make me think of cowboys and Indians. Mostly Indians to tell ya the truth. The fact that you added feathers to the head like that, really makes me think it is some type of Indian war buffalo. Again i really dig it man.

Now i'm gonna go see if i can find some feathers to put on my head.

[wolvenstien]

You sure you didnt carve that into a piece of wood? Damn nice....

[whinewine]

Clay, now I know where they get buffalo wings.

Now if pigs could fly...

[ClayB]

Pigs are the Yak Lady's specialty. Maybe she can carve up a flying pig for ya all.

[Tina]

Truley Impressed with your work Clay.

You're absolutly an artist in your own right, both with the carving and how you come up with your ideas. Loooking forward to see the rest...Awesome:-)

[Clay]

Very Cool Ernie!!!

Next I want to see your version of "Oh horse feathers!!"

Bert

[HorsehairBraider]

Beautiful! And what a really cool technique. It sounds like a lot of work, but really fun too.

The shaping and the muscles you got are just masterful. I looked at the picture before I read your post and just marveled at how much detail you have. I can't wait to see the step by step, and what it will look like painted and finished!