Welcome to the blog of Bob Rutan - photographer and wood carver.
Walk Down Memory Lane!!!
We have held carving classes in Mogadore, Oh since 2004. The following video is a summary of all the classes that we have had. A good thing to watch for those that have attended some of these classes and for those considering a future class. As you can see, the projects were very nice and all students went home with a completed carving.
If you wish to see more details for the 2013 class, go to the previous Blog or to url http://www.bobrutanphotography.com/blog/2012/10/2013-woodcarving-class or click on "2013 Woodcarving Class" under the RECENT POSTS tab at the bottom of this page.
2013 Woodcarving Class
professional guidance by Roz in both the carving of the subject and the painting to help obtain a soft, realistic look. These are definitely going to be educational and rewarding classes. The first class will be a Dark Eyed Junco. This is an inspiring project for all and will teach us needed skills on texturing, painting and body layout. The Junco is a good example of a bird that has more colors then seen by the casual observer and will prove to be another valuable experience for future bird carvings.
carving book, this one on several animal carving projects. She is now finishing up book number 7 and all indications are that it will be an even bigger success. I am certain that she will have some on hand at the class for anyone that wishes to purchase. It's a great time to get your book signed by the author.
Realistic Wood Carving
Rosalyn Daisey Cedar Waxwing and Red Fox Class in Mogadore, Oh
One of my favorite hobbies, in addition to photography, is wood carving. If you look at my carving gallery, you will see that a large number of the carvings are realistic looking birds and a few animals (http://www.bobrutanphotography.com/f756038933). I can credit a lot of my learning to Master Carver and author Rosalyn Daisey. Rosalyn schedules two summer projects every year in Mogadore, OH. In June of 2012 we will be carving a Cedar Waxwing in the one class and a Red Fox in the other. Both will be power carved out of Tupelo and painted with acrylics.
As part of the class, the eyes, wood and bird toes will be provided. You need only bring a base for your project and your carving equipment. Since we started these classes over a decade ago, I have yet to see anyone leave here without a completed project.
The Cedar Waxwing will be from June 8 - 10 and the
Red Fox will be June 11 - 13.
It seems every year we provide projects that build upon old skills and provide new ones. This year will be no exception. You will discuss and learn about anatomy and feather/fur carving, with the objective being to make them as realistic and natural looking as possible. This is possible through the professional guidance by Roz in both the carving of the subject and the painting to help obtain a soft, realistic look. These are definitely going to be educational and rewarding classes.
The first class will be a Cedar Waxwing. This is an inspiring project for all and will teach us some needed skills on texturing, painting and body layout. The Waxwing is definitely a little different than the ordinary bird in regards to texture and painting. This experience will be invaluable for future projects. You should try not to miss the opportunity!
The Red Fox is our second class and another great choice for growing your knowledge. We do not have a final on the pose for the Red Fox, but the Fox itself will look similar to the photo supplied. A decision on whether it is lying down curled 
up or sitting will be made soon. In either case, you will receive a very good background on the proper anatomy of a fox and proper carving techniques to ensure your project is realistic. If you have ever tried carving an animal, you know that maintaining this realism in the body and legs is important. This is where Roz’s guidance can help and will provide you with skills that you will use on future animals of this type.
Each class will be limited to 12 students to allow for individual attention from Roz. Based on last year’s interest in the suggested projects, I look for both these classes to have a good turnout. Once filled, any new enrollment will be placed on a waiting list and their deposit will be refunded if room does not become available. The sign-up procedure will be the same as all of Roz's classes and will require a $50 non-refundable deposit per class and will be filled on a first-come basis. Refunds will be given should someone not be able to attend and others are on a waiting list or if the class is cancelled. The balance of $250 will be due upon arrival. As a special price incentive, those signing up for both classes can purchase these for a total of $500, a $100 savings! This is a different price from what was seen in the last flier and a reduction from last year! Once you are registered, you will be sent a list of materials needed for the class about 6-7 weeks prior to the class date.
Bio - Instructor: Rosalyn Daisey – World Class carver, publisher and Ward Competition winner and instructor. Note: Roz has released her sixth book on several animal carving projects! I am certain that she will have some on hand at the class for anyone that wishes to purchase. It’s a great time to get your book signed by the author. Rosalyn has taught carving classes for more then 30 years and is very capable of instructing a class of beginners, advanced or a mixed class of both students. 
If anyone is interested in attending either of these classes, please contact me at email address rrutan@neo.rr.com and I will respond to your questions as soon as possible.
Thanks and keep on carving!
Bob Rutan