[Woodcarver] Carving buildings.

[Ivan Whillock]

Andrew:

1. Get a good photo of your subject. The first task is to understand the material in the photo, particularly the perspective.  You can't carve what you can't "see."
2. If the façade is parallel to you, the lines would follow one-point perspective.  If one corner is closer to you, then the lines would follow two-point perspective.  Study up on two-point perspective so that you can see in the photo where the vanishing points are: I.e., where the converging lines meet.  http://www.alifetimeofcolor.com/main.taf?p=2%2C1%2C1%2C15
3. Actually get a ruler and extend the lines on the photo so you see where they converge and how the foreshortening works.
4.  Unlike a human or an animal, most of a building can be drawn with a ruler, the lines dictated by the science of perspective.  With a knowledge of perspective, a straight edge, and careful measurements, you can draw any building you see.  It's simply a mechanical process. Your only barrier would be your own impatience.
5. In doing your drawing, pick out the most important elements to emphasize; downplay or simplify the small details--you don't need to carve every brick or every shingle, etc..
6.  With the knowledge that you can redraw any part of the pattern with a pencil and a straight edge, you can now feel free to cut away the wood without fearing that you will lose your pattern.  That is important, because in order to vary the levels, you will need to remove portions of the wood (any any drawing on it).
7. Remove the background first, and then carve in the levels, taking from the photo the information you need on what is the highest point, what is the lowest point, and what are the levels in between. Of course the levels will be compressed because it is a relief and not a carving in the round, but the levels will be in the same relationship to each other as they are in the round.  Pay particular attention to the corners and the angle of the planes off the corners.  The illusion of depth is enhanced when you keep the corners sharp and clean and the planes on either side of the corner consistent.
8. Once you have the levels, relocate your vanishing points and draw in the detail, remembering that it is not necessary to include every minute detail, every brick and shingle. 
9. Take your sweet time and enjoy the knowledge you will gain and, in particular, enjoy the process of working with your mind and your hands.

Ivan Whillock Studio
122 NE 1st Avenue
Faribault, MN  55021
Visit my website at
http://www.whillock.com
Visit my Picture Trail album at
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?username=ivancarve

Kings of Swing:  http://whillock.com/swing/
  From: andrew10 at zoominternet.net 
  Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 11:46 AM
  To: [Woodcarver] 
  Subject: Re: [Woodcarver] Congress cuts/ yea right chat


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  Dear Mr. Whillock
           I am looking for some  advice I recently visited the basilica at St. Vincents College  and the grist mill at the college I would like to make a relief carving or incised carving  of the basilica and the grist mill at the college any advise on carving buildings .  You can see the Basilica and the Gristmill at the St Vincents college website .That's St Vincent College in Latrobe Pa If ever get the chance check out the carving in the church there and check the confessional the carving there are amazing 
   



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