Starting Front Head Stock

[Chris Paulick]

Finally ruffed in. Some shaping, accent lines, under cuts and etc. left then finish. I think I'm going to like it.

[Ryan Mazzocco]

That is amazing. I love it. My mind can't even begin to wrap itself around how to do something like that. Truly in awe.

[Joel Michaud]

Hey Chris

Ive seen this on a few of the forums now, I just have to finally say something...

AMAZING!!! Really clean beautiful work, this is going to make the beginning of an incredible guitar.

[Doug Shaker]

Where does one learn to do this type of carving? What does one CALL this type of carving?

[Pete Halliday]

Hokey smokes!

[Chris Paulick]

It's a low relief or Bas relief carving. There are two sites that one can join for about $10 a month, http://www.marymaycarving.com/carvingschool/ and Chris Pye's http://www.woodcarvingworkshops.tv/home . They give you basic wood carving technic that you will have to transpose down to a micro level. I just watched some of their lessons and looked at a lot of youtubes on carving and engraving and even gunstock carving . Looked at alot of photos too. But I don't know of anyone just teaching this right know. Go here and I list my influences and some books I read also a book " Drawing And Understanding Scroll Designs"
http://www.mimf.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2225
I've just learned about Francisco Simplicio whose work is pretty cool too.

[Chris Paulick]

Worked on some shaping of the top Bud and elsewhere today. Almost done...I think

[Chuck Tweedy]

That's a bud, eh?
Pretty smokin' hot Chris.

[Chris Paulick]

Well, that's what I'm callin' it.

[Warren May]

That's going to make a special guitar. Is that an MOP logo at the first fret? Neat idea.

[Chris Paulick]

abalam

[Elman Concepcion]

Holy Moly Chris. That is beautiful work !!!

How many hours did that take ?
Or maybe you didn't count.
I wouldn't if I was doing that

[Dave Stewart]

Came out great Chris...lot of work but worth it in the end.
It's actually a very "lite" looking headstock!

[Chris Paulick]

I may be ready for the finish but can't just yet decide if I want to do something with the 1" space between the slots and beneath the point.
I worked on deepening and evening out the stipple pattern and better defining the shapes with some undercutting and also with the stipple work. sanded the hard edges with some grits of micro mesh which also polishes up the high areas. It also gives it an organic look and feel to the design. Time for a brew and I'll give it some thought.

[Randy Roberts]

Chris,
I've also followed this without comment but have been utterly amazed by what you've done.

For what it's worth, I think you should leave the lower bare space just as it is. It gives a wonderful contrast to all the intricate work above it, making the carving stand out even more. I think if you carve that area also it would just be more carving, and would just compete with what is a really refined, tasteful masterpiece as it is now. Restraint is the hardest part of art.

[Chris Paulick]

I'm calling it finished. Ijust put a coat of oil finish on it. Thanks all for watching it come along.

[Chris Paulick]

Finale Pic with oil finish on it.
Thanks for following ya'll !

[Jim McConkey]

Wow! Having been involved with the MIMF nearly since its inception, it is particularly gratifying to see a member's skills progress and rise to such a high level over the years! You've come a long way, in all the right ways.

[Bob Menzel]

Outstanding! Any video of the work on YouTube?

[Chris Paulick]

Much too Kind.
No Youtube.