Question:
This looks like a hobby I would like to learn. Is this too advanced for me to start out doing?
Answer:
It might be too advanced to start out with if you know absolutely nothing about woodcarving.
It really depends on the person and his/her level of commitment.
Some first experience would be best with a local on-hands instructor that can
show you directly some of the basic tools and how to use them properly and safely.
The instruction here is designed for the a novice to advanced student but
a raw beginner can benefit from it for sure.
.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question:
I know what the initial fee is, but what else is it going to cost me in special materials and supplies as I get involved in the program?
Answer:
It can cost from $300. to $3000. depending on how fully equipped you want to be. Just to get started enough to determine if this is really what you want to pursue in a serious way, then I would say you can get by with spending the minimum. The very serious and wealthy novice could spend a lot, if he wants to invest in a band saw, get the deluxe micro motor power tool, buy a Foredom grinder, burning tools, diamond bits, and the works in paints, brushes and painting supplies. It's similar to taking up golf. You can get the beginner set of golf clubs, play in tennis shoes, carry your get-by bag and walk on low fee courses, or you can get a custom set of Pings, a designer brand of golf shoes, have your own cart and ride the country club course in style. It is all up to you how you want to start out. I suggest you start small and buy your supplies and equipment on an as needed basis.
.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question:
What tools and supplies will I need to get started and where can I get them?
Answer:
View the class Preview and you will see some of the tools that are used. Once you sign up,
you will be able to see all of the tools you will be needing. You will only have to procure
these recommended tools as needed. There will be time to acquire these as you go along.
source for all students of the Vic Kirkman School of Wildfowl Art.
The tools and supplies are indexed in the order in which one would use them when creating a wildfowl carving, so even the index is educational and worth investigating.
You can order those recommended tools and supplies through this online store by check, money order, toll-free number or by using your credit card on our secure server.
.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question:
Can I download the course and do it when I want to?
Answer:
The Online Instruction Program is not a book, but an ongoing program involving some interaction between student and teacher. There has to be order and methodology or the program will not be of much use to you. I suggest that you work it in the exact sequence you find it. If you download the program, you may just put it on a shelf in a notebook and never use it again. Much of the instruction is in also video, so go ahead and work it and I will be around to assist you if you get into trouble.
.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question:
I have been carving birds and decoys for a while now,
so can I just get some help with my weakest point, painting?
Answer:
What a lot of novice wildfowl carvers fail to realize is, the design, feather group layout, and surface texture sets up the good paint job. The better these elements, the easier the paint job gets. I rarely teach anyone to paint a full decorative wildfowl until I have shown those elements of carving that prepare the proper surface for the paint. Play of light on a good design, planning the presentation of the bird's best color and features, carving in planned shadows and getting the right surface effects on the wood even before grinding and burning in the texture; all are things that should be improved with even experienced carvers in order to benefit from the painting techniques I will be teaching in this program.
.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question:
How long will it be before I can make a decoy to put in a competition?
Answer:
For me it takes about 2-3 months to make a decorative "smoothie" floating decoy good enough to be competitive in a show. It takes from 6 months to a year for me to finish an award winning full decorative floating decoy. Larger, more elaborate poses take longer. How long it takes you will depend on you how hard you work at it. If you carve the demo example along with the Online Instruction Program, then it could take a year at least to make a good decoy. The program is not designed to help you finish a decoy fast. It helps you learn the art of their creation so that you will have the knowledge and skill down the road to make lots of them on your own.
.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question:
Do I have to carve the same species of bird used in the instruction program posted?
Answer:
It is recommended for best results to follow along and carve the species shown in the demo. You may, of course, carve parallel projects of differing species, applying the principles you are learning in the program. The methodology taught here is the same methodology for any species, just varying measurements and details on different species. Learn it this way first and then you will see how to apply those new techniques to other wildfowl carvings you may wish to carve. It takes a very long time to prepare a program this thorough, ao the next species may be coming quite a while from now.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question:
Don't you have to have lots of patience to do this?
Answer:
This type of carving as well as others helps you develop patience you didn't think you had. Carving is a great stress reliever. There is something about carving wood with a good sharp knife or fine instrument that is soothing and relaxing. I think learning to relax leads to the growth of patience. After you finish a project, you realize the rewards of that patience and that motivates you to go on and consequently patience develops gradually within you.
I find that most people really do have patience when they are determined to do something.
Often saying that, "I don't have the patience," is just a convenient excuse for fear of going out on a limb to try something new.
-----------
