Another portait - Woodworking Talk

Kenbo · 10-10-2009, 12:53 PM

My wife's cousin is getting married today and I made this for them as a wedding present. There are some people that use a computer program to generate the cutting pattern, but I do all of mine by hand. (I'm kind of old fashioned that way) I have done portraits as wedding gifts before and they are always a big hit. People love them more than the usual toasters and tupperware.
Ken

phinds · 10-10-2009, 01:03 PM

That's quite a talent you have there. Very nice indeed and it's certainly understandable why folks would love them.

Paul

wdkits1 · 10-10-2009, 02:08 PM

Very nice cutting Ken -I'm sure the newlyweds will treasure it. I also hand draw all of my patterns. Just seems to add more to a piece when you can say that it was done old school.

firehawkmph · 10-10-2009, 04:41 PM

Ken,
Nice job. Great wedding present. What do you do, go off a picture and sketch it by hand?
Mike Hawkins

clarionflyer · 10-10-2009, 04:53 PM

Very nice, Kenbo.

How do you paint the black? Paint, then sand it off the face?
I've seen this portrait technique used in a lot of different ways, but never on wood. Beautiful.

Dave

GROOVY · 10-10-2009, 09:11 PM

Yea lots better than toasters.............

Kenbo · 10-11-2009, 10:34 AM

Thanks for all the kind words guys.

Mike, that's exactly what I do. I picture the shadows and the highlights and sketch out the portrait, seperating the two. I then go through every shadow to ensure that there is enough material left after the cutting process to support the remaining pieces.

Dave, as you can see from the previous sentence, I sketch these out by hand. After sketching, I drill blade entry holes at every shadow (or black) area. I use a scrollsaw to cut out all of the shadows. After sanding and applying a finish to the cut piece, I place a black backer board behind it and build a custom frame. There is no paint involved. Only scrollsaw cuttings.

Wdkits1, I agree with you. There is a satifaction in drawing your own patterns. Although I do use other people's patterns on a regular basis, and I'm very proud of all of them, the ones that I make myself have a special meaning and I seem to stand a little taller when people are admiring my designs. It's a good feeling.
Ken

woodman42 · 10-11-2009, 01:04 PM

Thats cool Kenbo. Don't think I have ever seen that done in wood, I like it.

red · 10-11-2009, 08:39 PM

Awesome.

Red

supershingler · 10-11-2009, 09:29 PM

great job and what a concept. ive been thinking about a scrollsaw but the loml says i have enough stuff(tools) already. wait until i show her this maybe she will change her mind.

kendall

The Everyman Show · 10-12-2009, 09:18 AM

Ken the level of detail and intricacy you have in your projects never ceases to amaze me. This is no exception. Whoever gets this (I'm guessing the two lovebirds in the picture frame) will be lucky and grateful all in one. Very impressive skills Ken.

Streamwinner · 10-12-2009, 01:04 PM

The sharpness of your lines really makes this portrait "pop".

frankp · 10-12-2009, 02:40 PM

I keep coming back to this thread, Ken. That's fine work. I'm amazed at the skill you have with a scroll saw. I've said it before and I'll say it again... inspiring work.

jdixon · 10-13-2009, 12:26 AM

Dang, Ken! That is just awesome! Really fine work.

John

Kenbo · 10-15-2009, 11:14 PM

Thanks again for the kind words guys. I pride myself on the detail of these portraits and sometimes I have to simplify them for structural reasons. Thanks again.
Ken

jpw23 · 10-17-2009, 10:31 PM

Very nice!!!!

Gerry KIERNAN · 10-19-2009, 09:36 AM

Kenbo

You never cease to amaze me. You have a lot of talent and obviously a great imagination.
That portrait looks super.

Gerry