[woodenfish]

Zach, I just recently found and registered for your site.
My name is Randy Thomas. I am 64 years old and a retired engineer. I live in West Valley City Utah.
I start off with several good reference photos and a block off wood, (usually “Basswood” or “Tupalo”). I draw or trace a pattern resembling the fish on it and then run it thru my band saw. I use a Foredom power carver to ruff out the shape, then a lot of sanding.
I like to not only have a picture of the fish but something I can use as a size reference like a hand. I will size the scales in reference to say a finger. I will make my woodburning tip from ni-crome wire and shape it to match that of the fish. The fish pictured took me over 20 hours just to burn in the scales. There are many ways to make scales, but for a high quality carving burning or carving them in will bring the premium price. I will be completing this fish this week and it will be delivered to it’s very proud new owner. He provided me with about 50 pictures of the fish and his buddies.
Painting is just as important as the carving but considerably less time consuming. I have a large flat screen monitor in my shop so I can reproduce the fish color and markings accurately. I will use as many as 15 or 16 coats of paint and finish with 2 ro 3 clear coats to give it that right out of the water look.
Started fishing with my father as a child and carved with him prior to him passing in 2003. Either fishing or carving I feel his presence with me.

[woodenfish]

Live, play and fish on the provo myself. Attached is a picture of a 32 inch Sockey Salmon I am currently working on.. My studio is in West Valley if anyone is interested in having a fish sculture, I can be contacted @ randymarythomas@comcast.net

Attachments:

1. 

   sockeyecarving.jpg
   

2. 

   2013-09-20-14.00.54.jpg
   

[Author]

Posts