Introduction to Woodcarving

Woodcarving is a wonderful hobby enjoyed by many people around the globe.  It's universal appeal no doubt lies in its versatility, in that there are endless ways in which you can unleash your creative potential.  Whether you consider yourself a whittler or a sculptor makes no difference as long as you are enjoying the art of woodcarving.  Below are some of the different styles of woodcarving you will encounter in your new hobby. 

In the Round
This term describes the style enjoyed by most carvers.  Simply put, it is anything carved three dimensionally.  The subject matter can be anything from a bird to an abstract sculpture of a human.  There are some different groups in this style that you will encounter which are:

   Realistic - Describes anything carved with absolute realism as your goal, whether the subject matter is animal, human or still life.   Common woods used are basswood, tupelo and butternut.

   Caricature - This style can also describe any subject matter, but the carving will have one or more exaggerated features.  Usually caricature carvings are of human or animal subjects.  Most caricatures are carved from basswood.

   Stylized - Stylized carvings are typified by their smooth, undetailed appearance.  The smooth gentle curves and flowing lines of stylized carvings move this style into more of a sculpture category and is an excellent choice of carvers wishing to let the beauty of the wood prevail.  For this fact, the most common woods carved in this category are butternut, cherry, maple, mesquite and others.

Relief
This terms refers to carvings in which the subject is carved down into a block of wood.   Perspective is the key in relief carving.  The skillful relief carver wants to fool the viewers eye by making the carving appear to have more depth than wood available.  Relief carvings are best displayed as wall hangings with overhead lighting as this brings out the light and shadow effect.  Can be carved in any type of wood.

Chip Carving
Chip carving is a very popular style of woodcarving normally utilizing only two cutting tools.  This style of carving is a very traditional style used for decorating or enhancing an item whether it be a box, plate or any number of wooden items.  Preferred wood of chip carvers is basswood.

Woodburning
Woodburning is commonly performed by realistic bird and animal carvers to give the fur and feathers on their carvings a realistic appearance.  Woodburning is also highly popular as an art of its own with artists producing some incredible works of a variety of subjects.  Basswood and gourds are popular with woodburning artists. 

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