Right wing burning essentially done, topside and underside

    I managed to get out on the picnic table this morning around 9:00 a.m., and worked on the bird until about 1:30.  I had just about finished the topside of the right wing before it started to rain, and I burned the last feather while huddling under the big umbrella.  Lona came out and snapped the photo below of me early in the day, while I was first outlining and undercutting the feathers.  It was a good day - I had my music playlist of favorites playing on the iPad, the birds were chirping, there was a little breeze, and the time passed quickly. I hope for many more days like this, doing hobby work and enjoying the time!

    The right wing is now nearly done, with just a few touch-ups here and there to take care of.  I decided to complete one win, top and bottom, before moving on to the other.  I still have to put in the eyes and finish detailing and texturing the head, but I think I will complete both wings before I get to that.  The wings are too much fun!

    I will bring the osprey to tomorrow's (Tuesday) 4:00 p.m. meeting of the Southern Maine Wood Carvers Guild, and will continue the burning/texturing process there, surrounded by other carvers working on their own stuff.  The group usually moves from Rockler's to El Rodeo for dinner and continued conversation around 6:30, and I will likely follow along.  Nice group of very skilled people, all from different backgrounds but united in their interest in carving.  The combination of private carving time and group meetings provides a nice balance.

    Five hours today brings my total to 98!

    I will finish with some advice from Wendell Gilley, a renowned Maine woodcarver: “Be it a perfect work of art, or one with some flaws, it really doesn’t matter - it is your creation.  What seems important to me is that you have come up with some results and you have enjoyed doing it.” I will be visiting the Wendell Gilley Museum in Southwest Harbor on Thursday, as part of my birthday trip down the coast, and will hopefully get some inspiration from viewing his carvings and those of other Maine artists.