Half-size Flyers

[Steve Sanford]

All~

Many you have seen these before - piecemeal - but I thought I would put them all in one spot. I enjoy doing them - although working smaller has its own set of challenges - but I look forward to working with more species. I will do more Mallards (no good photos) and plan a Black Duck and a Brant soon.

Also, I just posted a page on my own website with more backstory: http://stevenjaysanford.com/half-size-flyers/


This Butterball was inspired by a Dick Sargeant photo shortly after I joined duckboats.net in 2013. It hangs from the rafters of our family camp on Lake Champlain:

I did this Broadbill for my Dad in 2011 - his last year. It now flies over my assembly bench in the shop.

I gave this one - done earlier this year - a Broadbill's full crown.

As with my "normal" carvings, I try to abstract the paint patterns while retaining the essence of the species - as I see it.

I see this Bull Shellpecker streaking down our local rivers late season. He was part of the "Battenkill Inspired" exhibit in Glens Falls for the past 6 months.

This Canvasback gave me fits getting the proportions to my liking. Over an hour of fussing - after I had sanded and primed him - finally brought him within the fold.

All my Flyers can either hang from a staple in their backs - or fly atop a brass post.

All the best,

SJS

 

[Tom Rowe]

Those are just excellent. Awesome work!

 

[Lloyd Heins]

Very cool!

 

[Shawn Linn]

Really nice work Steven, I always like to see something other than floating stools. I love watching birds on the wing and carvings depicting them.

 

[Dave Speer]

Steve those fliers are beauties!

And how bad is it that I want to plagiarize (imitate?) your bases. They are so clean and artful.

 

[Steve Sanford]

Good morning, Dave~

Glad you like the bases. My first one of this style - maybe 8 years ago - began as a cutoff from my bandsaw. The organic shape reminded me of waves - either of saltwater or marsh grasses. Since then, some resemble Slipper Shells. They are fun to do in and of themselves. I have a bunch of Western Red Cedar I've been using of late. Piece of cake to carve and a strong grain. I have one on the bench right now - for a Yellowlegs - where the grain marvelously follows the contours - rather be lucky than good! Some get painted but most are stained and varnished.

All the best,

SJS

 

[Scott Swain]

Love those flyers Steve. I have three of Gary Bell's brant flying across my living room ceiling. He carved and painted the tops with great detail, in comparison to the underside. Wish I had a place to display them that would show off that detail. Thanks for sharing!

 

[KThompson]

Those are beautiful!