Burning & Carving Fish

Let’s think outside the box today!

Your wood carving steps can be just the first steps in a larger project.  In this sample, Mandala Fish, the basic fish shape has been relief wood carved on a 3/4″ basswood slab.  This is a simple rounded over carving that was sanded smooth after the cutting strokes were done.  Next I traced my mandala pattern and used my wood burner to outline the pattern details.  Colored pencils finish this project bring a bright rainbow of hues to my design.

Is it a carving?  Is it a wood burning?  Is it mandala work? Is it colored pencil art?

YES!

Many of our carving and pyrography ideas come directly from other fine art styles and media of works.  This Lantern fish is a permanent marking pen drawing on Bristol board, brightly accented with colored pencils.  It was the inspiration for the wood carving fish above.

Want a free pattern to try your own mixed media fish design.  Here’s one!  And I have two free pattern packs, ready to download, on my pattern website at ArtDesignsStudio.com.

And … one more idea that fits better in the fish tank then in the standard hobby box.  You can use any pattern as the bases for your next practice board.  Just because you want a chance to check your tip temperature, establish your strokes and textures, or set your tonal value before you work on your main project doesn’t mean that practice board needs to be a boring, useless grid design.

Have fun!     ~Lora