Shang Wheeler Style Mergansers

Shang Wheeler was a Famous Carver from Connecticut who carved at the turn of the century through the mid century. He was a career sportsman, activist and politician. He surprized the decoy world when he showed up to a decoy show with his detailed birds. He sold very few decoys opting to use or give them away. Here is my tribute of his style. These decoys are for sale. Please visit http://woodasart4sale.blogspot.com/

Blue Ribbon Gal

Well, the Pintail (from the collection of Laura Froelich) won the blue ribbon at the Minnesota State Fair. Here is a photo with all her bling

Maine Eider

This was an exercise in what is known as "simulated in use and wear" technique. I used an antique pattern from Maine and antiquing techniques. The Head is mortised on as was typical of boat builers making decoys in Maine. Hope you like it.

Complete

The final paint is on and we're done.

Pintail Detail

another 14 hours.

Pintail Update

Worked on finishing the cape and the definition of chest feathers. I like the way they are coming out. I also put a base coat on the bill. I'll need to see a better picture of a good bill for replication. I gave a wash to the entire rump section to even out the feather center and to lose the white tips. They really were not coming out well.

Native American Flute

A gentleman at work collects and plays native american flutes. He had seen my woodworking and set forth a sort of challenge. He thought I should be able to make a flute since I was a woodworker. Well, here is the outcome of my first native flute. It's in the key of F# and is tuned. The Flute is Red Cedar and the Fetish is ebony. I used an inuit influence for the fetish paint scheme.