Carving the Human Face: Capturing Character and Expression in Wood

Chronicling all the stages in creating a realistic human face from wood, and illustrated with detailed photographs of more than 20 finished carvings, this book offers a wealth of technical how-to information for woodworkers and artists. Helpful information includes advice on handling tools, tips for working wood to resemble the shape of skin and muscles, and hints on carving realistic hats and headdresses. Also included are more than 20 diagrams that explain facial anatomy and how it relates to carving masks and busts.

CARVING THE HUMAN FACE, 2nd EDITION, by Jeff Phares, lets woodworkers bring their carvings to life. Chronicling the stages in creating a realistic human face from wood and packed with detailed images of finished carvings, this book offers a wealth of technical how-to information. It features step-by-step instruction, more than 350 color photographs and 50 drawings that provide useful anatomical references. It also provides tips for working wood to resemble the shape of skin and muscles, hints on carving realistic hats and headdresses, and more than 20 diagrams devoted to facial anatomy and how it relates to carving masks and busts. In addition, there is an inspiring gallery of photos of the author's work, including cowboys, frontiersmen and American Indians.

For the carvers on our subscribers list, you will love this one. The photo gallery in the front pages of Phares' book will perfectly illustrate just why you should have this book, the authors face carvings are spectacular. This is the revised and expanded second edition of his book and if you have even the slightest interest in carving then you must pick up this book. From the blank block of basswood or butternut the author walks you through this exciting art form step by step. The rough blocking in of the face, be it a mask or a bust, Phares illustrates visually just what carving tools to use and where to use them. He then goes into specific detail like the nose, ears and eyes. Once done reading this book you will quickly become a wood carving enthusiast. The expressions that the author captures are true to life.

The human face - truly fascinating and hugely varied, and something we see everyday, so given its regularity, why do find it so hard to carve? Happily, there is a book that sets to address this problem which will have you tackling this difficult subject head on (excuse the pun!). Jeff Phares is a world champion carver and is the perfect tutor in this guide as you gain confidence in creating hair, facial features, realistic skin and muscles, plus learning to carve hats and head dresses. There are tips for correcting common anatomical errors which really is invaluable, plus guidance on how to get the best from your tools. And once you have all these gems under you belt, you can have, a go at the 350 photographic step-by-step project which takes you on a journey from a block of butternut to a beautiful mask of a Native American warrior. A great book to get you started for the year a-head.

Have you been inspired by the carvers' projects here at LumberJocks.com, such as the work by Jordan, Mikelknot, and Mark Decou, to name a few? Is "carving a face" on your list of woodworking projects but you just don't know where to start? Here is a great place to begin --the resource book: "Carving The Human Face." With over 250 steps, broken down into eight working sections, the author carefully guides you through the process of releasing the human face from a chunk of wood. Each step is clearly explained in the text as well as the accompanying photos. Photos include work in progress, planning sketches and sketches of the human anatomy to help understand and achieve lifelike features. In addition to the detailed process for the featured carving, the reader is provided with examples of changes that can be made to the original design. Also included are photos of common mistakes made when carving a face as well as ways to fix the errors. As I read through the book, it seemed to me that as much work went into capturing the step-by-step process as it did to do the actual carving! I was very impressed. My Ratings of The Book Layout and Appearance: Filled, front to back, with photos and directions! Thumbs Up! Instructions: Clearly written and supported by the photos & drawings. Thumbs Up! Project Selection: A beautiful rendition of a Native American. Beautiful - Thumbs Up! Inspiration: Inspiring just to watch the process, let alone give it a try. Thumbs Up! Overall: Thumbs Up! Win A Free Copy