[Woodcarver] skateboarder update

[Watson Family]

I think it was Joe who asked for me to keep you informed so here it is .
I have spent the last couple of weeks hanging around the skate board park 
with a camera. That was a bit disconcerting to the skaters until I made 
friends with a couple. Now I am Hoping they will visit as it evolves just 
to see what I was up to. If you have never tried to photograph a 
skateboarder then it is rather fun. They move pretty quick so I had to 
disable the auto focus as it could not keep up.
Having gathered all my refernce material I took the plunge yesterday and 
cut away about half the weight with the chainsaw. Hope I didn't cut 
something I will need later.
The pose I chose worked out great as I cut off all the major cracks so it 
should now hold up well.
I am working on a boy about 12 years old, (and I am not good with kids) so 
this is more practice.
He will be in the process of making a jump with one foot just leaving the 
board and the arms out wide. They always seemed to have their arms out so 
to fit it in the block I will have to mortise the arms into the sleeves of 
his Tee shirt. That will also eliminate the short grain through the arms, 
so will be more suitable for the public display this piece is bound for.

Peter
Woodcarvings and Wildlife Sculptures
http://www.watsonwoodcarver.com