Carvings in my home Gallery

Raptors

• American Kestrel
• Bald Eagle (on post)
• Barn Owl
• Screech Owl

Shorebirds

• Belted Kingfisher
• Blue Heron
• Blue Heron Painting
• Brown Pelican
• Brown Pelican III
• Greater Flamingo
• Immature Western Gull
• Kingfishers in Flight
• Sandpiper/Lesser Yellowlegs
• Tufted Puffin
• Tufted Puffin standing

Songbirds

• American Goldfinch
• Black Capped Chickadee
• Blue Jay (remounted)
• Downy Woodpecker
• Meadowlark
• More Meadowlarks
• Pileated Woodpecker
• Steller's Jay

Waterfowl

• Common Loon
• Hooded Merganser
• Mute Swan
• Natural Wood Merganser
• Wood Duck (early work)
• Wood Duck (standing)

Wildfowl

• American Woodcock
• California Quail
• Mourning Dove
• Northern Bobwhite Quail
• Ruffed Grouse

Miscellaneous

• Scarlet Macaw Parrot
• Toco & Keel-billed Toucans

Archive of Carvings

Raptors

• Bald Eagle (twins)
• Great Horned Owl
• Peregrine Falcon
• Snow Owl

Shorebirds

• Blue Heron
• Brown Pelican II
• Kingfisher

Songbirds

• Black Capped Chickadee
• Blue Jay
• Immature White Throated Sparrow
• Meadowlark
• Red Shafted Flicker
• Steller's Jay

Waterfowl

• Bufflehead Drake
• Canada Goose Small
• Canada Goose large
• Canada Goose miniature pair
• Pintail Drake

Wildfowl

• American Woodcock
• Blue Grouse
• California Quail
• Pheasant
• Turkey
• White-tailed Ptarmigan
• White-winged Dove

Miscellaneous

• Blue Macaw Parrot
• Rainbow Trout (on rocks)
• Rainbow Trout (wall mount)

Thoughts from the Artist

Like many of you I am a nature lover. I love being in the out doors soaking up some rays of sunshine, feeling the wind on my face, and taking in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. Most of us spend far too much time indoors in front of a screen. I believe connecting to nature is spiritually significant and important for our own self understanding. We are a part of something far bigger than ourselves. David, the writer of the Psalms is in awe of nature and humbled as he contemplates his place in the universe. Here is what he wrote:

When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him? Ps. 8:3,4

Carving birds for me is an exercise in appreciation and connecting to the beauty that surrounds us. To study a bird in detail is a marvelous exercise. My passion in carving is to celebrate that beauty with all of you.

Common Questions

What kind of wood do I prefer?

Linden, also known as Basswood or White wood, is a large shade tree, which grows on the east coast of the United States. The wood is fine grained, and has an excellent consistency for wood carving.

How long does it take to carve a bird?

I no longer keep track of the time I spend, because producing art under time pressure doesn't work for me. I know I have taken up to 65 hours to do a Blue Jay, and 255 hours to do a full scale Bald Eagle, and 40 hours to do a Chickadee.

What are the steps you go through in carving a bird?

1. having an inspiring idea
2. drawing patterns of side and top profiles
3. transferring patterns onto a block of wood
4. bandsawing both profiles
5. roughing out the basic shape using chisels, grinders, and sanders
6. sketching and cutting in the details on the smoothed down bird
7. stoning the feather lines
8. engraving the fine detail
9. sealing the wood in preparation for painting
10. painting with acrylics (often many thin layers are applied to obtain the desired color and intensity)
11. the paint is then sealed with a coating of wax for protection
12. my signature is usually burned in on the base or underside of the carving

For more Information

I work as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Abbotsford B.C.. If you live in the area and are in need of counselling, you are welcome to give me a call at 604-850-0250 or e-mail me at dnalos@gmail.com. You can also check out my website at www.counselme.ca.

Site Updated: 2009.5.24
SW Updated: 2009.4.29