To paint my faces I start with a small dot of red paint and then add
water to dilute it down. This is how much water to paint I start with then add
a tad more water once it is blended to a consistency.
When first trying this take a scrap piece of wood to see how
thin the color is, always remembering you can layer the colors to darken them
up.
I used watered-down unbleached titanium paint over the face
before I began adding color. I only do this when painting Butternut wood as it
tends to darken even with no paint and a clear sealant. Once I’ve given the paint ample time to dry, I
began to add the watered-down red.
I paint over the whole facial area with the watered-down
red. I only do one layer in the beginning. I will add more down the road, but
not before I start adding some of the shadowing to the bags under the eyes.
For the shadowing on the eyes I mix dark blue, black, and white, and
as always it will be extremely watered-down.
Once the colors are mixed together it will look like a watered-down
bluish gray. Before applying each layer always make sure to mix the colors
together to get a strong consistency in color. I applied the color to the bags under the eyes and also the thin area
right underneath the eyebrows.
I then apply 2 to 3 layers of the watered-down red to the
cheek area and the tip of the nose. After all, Santa is flying around in the
cold night air.
From this point it’s up to each carver to decide how dark
the bags under the eyes will be. The darker you want them the more layers of
color you will apply. The same is true for the cheek and nose area. Each layer
will strengthen the color. You can also add some of the red to the bags to
soften the contrast from the rest of the face. I don’t paint the lower lip
until after I have done the dry paint on the mustache and beard area.
as always,
"Good night and May God bless"
Here are some of my latest efforts. I spent most of my day minus some time mowing, painting these. My study sticks have really taken on a life of there own and have kept me busy with request but the season is approaching and I try to get a an ornament or two carved in between all the other task I have in the works
I haven't posted much lately but wanted to show my latest efforts. I have done a few more study sticks for people with various themes to them and even found time to get an ornament or two carved and painted. The holidays are closer than we think and I need to get some carved up if I will attend any shows this season.
Carved this guy yesterday and I was so happy with how he was coming along I went ahead and painted him up yesterday afternoon. I carved him to honor my grampa who served in WWI He then returned home after his time in the service to become a successful farmer. I always remember him in his coveralls and his cigars so of course my soldier was given a smoke. This has to be the smallest cigar I have carved and painted to date. The soldier was carved from a 1" piece of bass wood and carved on the corner. 
For your viewing pleasure a few of my latest efforts, all carved from 1" block. To see a video of my painting technique go to;
