I finished a series of instructional videos, titles "Carving the caricature figure with hand tools". There are 22 videos from start to finish, showing how to take a 2x2x6 inch block and carve it into a figure without using power tools. The only power was getting it cut into a block and using a drill to drill out the space between the legs. It was a fun series and I enjoyed it. I hope it helps a few folks doing a carving without having to go out and purchase a number of expensive tools that they may not have the budget or the room for.
Here is the link for the first video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxQ2z5jDEiY
I was also asked if I would post the project drawing (pattern) for it.
This picture is the carving pattern. It is slightly larger but I show how you can adjust it down to fit it into a 6 inch (15 cm)block.
Here is a picture of the "bojangle" carving aid. It allows you to position the figure in a variety of poses to get what you need. They are relatively easy to make in a variety of sizes, just size them down on the computer or on a copy machine. They are held together with brass rivets.
Below are the individual pieces you can make out of stiff cardboard (cereal boxes work perfectly for this). You can then arrange them into almost any pose you want.
This allows you to make a front and back pose for your figure drawing. I do not have one for the sides, but I believe you can take the front and side drawing and figure out the rest. Use similar figures or drawings to finish the side dimensions.
I hope that helps you with your carvings and layout of your figure. These are not my ideas; I am just passing them along. I have seen such noted caricature carvers as Lynn Doughty (outwestgallery.com) and Cleve Taylor (emeritus member of the Caricature Carvers of America) use these to great effect. I hope they help you as well.
Have a great day, stay safe, do some great carving and enjoy!
