Hey All
I asked a couple accomplished carver Pals, how to finish and smooth a Walnut Eagle. They both asked me to post it when it was done. Here you are Bob and Dave. Notice I'm improving. Critiques welcome from all. Thanks, Rick

Oopsy http://www.ricknasby.com/eaglegallery.html

seeing your work makes me want to get better thanks

Very, very nice eagle!
Your photo text says "Sanded, sealed and polyurethaned". Did you do something to seal it BEFORE using polyurethane? If so, what?

Butch

Butch Ol Boy, Actually, my most lovely web builder, wrote that. I used sanding sealer, then sanded with 36 grit, then sanding sealer, sanded again with 150. Then Spar urethane, sanded with 220, then spared again. Came out quite smooth, first time I done something slick. Thanks for the comment, glad you like it.. Rick

Your carvings and signs are awesome Rick. Just checked out your web site anw I have to say, your work is really great. Keep it up buddy! - Fred

Thank you Fred, I looked back at some of my older ones, and seen off proportioning, etc. So if you guys see something, dont keep me in the dark. I see some in the new eagle. It hasnt sold, so I dont want to jump on another yet. I think its little bear season.
And thank you Buzz, drawing off reference photos will incorporate more shapes, angles, lines, and over all design into ones ability.

For a guy that pushes reality, it suprised me you know so little about bird anatomy. You carved a lot of feathers and your textures are very nice on the head/neck juncture, but eagles( and all other birds have groups of feathers like primary coverts, etc. The leading edge of your wing just comes to a point, no alula, etc. The finishing is really polished( a lot of work!) And your feet are kool too, but I (personally) would've carved the eyes as glass( or whatever ) looks out of place on a hardwood carving. It's kinda like putting glass eyes in a wooden indian. They'd look tacky. Nice overall shape. Doc

Good talking with ya rick,overall good job.your next one will be even better. no status quo for you.take care j.p.

I think your right on that Doc. I will relace the eyes with carved dahl rod piece. And make it more uniform with the rest of it. I'll study feathers when I can. I knew the wings needed proportioning help. Thanks, Rick As far as me pushing realism, its pushing uphill most of the time!

I like the movement the figure projects. Looks like an insane amount of tedious work went into the finish. I'm lucky to get past the saw for finishing, what gritt would that be? #2 gritt? seeing you went to 30 gritt, I was impressed, then to 150 gritt, that's like cabinetry. I've done some metal polishing, Started with 150 gritt, and had to work up to 1500 gritt. Worked in a jewelry box finish shop, the shop had 6 different sanders for each table. THe "time saver" belt sander had a huge rack of different gritts. I couldn't imagine going that far on a carving.

Hey Rick that turned out really nice. No airbushing required on that one. Black walnut is so beautiful, but it makes me itch and break out real bad. That stuff is toxic.

Ron, thanks alot,I always enjoy hearing from you. I tried to wear long sleeves, respirator, hold my breath, different things, different times. Felt it in my thoat some, Other than that...no problems
MW, I spent more time on this piece, than any other, ran across all of this Walnut..whats a guy to do? shouldn't really burn or paint. After I change the eyes, it may just sit in my home till it sells on line. Thank you for the compliment and back at ya.. Rick
Jeff, Thanks for the call, I'm really pushing for a full recovery for your son. Maybe you could carve soap bars or potatoes for the kids while your at the hospital. It wouldn't take as long as the tree house..LOL

Don't know how you guys do it, I been doing art, and carving full time over ten years, I don't have any thing to show for it, besides the big old house we just bought. I just got my shop built, it's litterally two nice sheds (8X8, AND 6X8'), a room in the back of the house, and a shabby leantwo..... I love the brush work you do, you're like another Robin W. GUess I spend too much time on these forums, or some thing, but I see you here a lot too, so I don't get it. I need to get out of the "easy sell" market, and get bigger, and better. THanks for showing us the way, your work is awsome!

Nice detail and that is a beautiful piece of wood. Keep it up
Rick! Gary

Rick, it certainly is nice work. I love black walnut and polishing the work really brings out the best in it. Lot of work, but usually worth it.

I will make a comment I hope is helpful. It took a while for me to put my finger on it, but maybe on your next bird bring the mouth opening clear back to the eye.

It's hard to hit every detail and you've done a great job. With every attempt, you recognize and remember more and more.

I just checked out your site and I am very impressed! I love your bears and eagles. The airbrushing is amazing. Great work!
Jezebel

Thank you Gary, Cheryl and Jezabel! Cheryl I noticed that myself, so I tried to stretch it up further, it seemed to late, and was screwing up other parts of the face, I may have added the eyes last, and put them in to far back. Thanks for makeing me ponder it. I think a light bulb flashed. So I felt it was too late take it further, next time, I'll catch it early. Great observation. I'm going to swap out those eyes for golden eagle eyes...there dark, but 2 mm bigger.
Gary, while your slow, come carve with me, I have an energetic employee to do the leg work(no pun intended)might get more done..Jezabel your just a sweetheart, you can come too.