I then sand it and draw the feather pattern for the species on to the working carving.

From that point I relieve each feather with a small hand-held high-speed grinder. I use assorted bits for the grinder to achieve the desired detail. A carving knife is also used throughout the carving but extensively on the head.

After Texturing

The carvings are for the most part hand painted, however I do use an air brush to add a soft look and to enhance the roundness of a feather.

Feather Pattern

I add further detail to the feathers with burning tools. This is referred to as texturing.

Cinnamon Teal Hen 10”h x 4.25”w x 5.75”l

Life-size Pheasant in Flight

For a large life-size carving, such as this pheasant in flight, I cut out the individual pieces with a band saw, shape the pieces, and then detail them.

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Visualizing the Pheasant

After detailing the wings, head, body and tail, I assemble them. I then add more detail. The areas where the parts are joined are filled, smoothed and detailed before painting begins.