Figure 1: The tree is still rooted in the ground.  The approximate weight of this West Texas juniper is 350 pounds.

Figure 2: The log is cut loose. Note the horse’s rider drawn to the right of the carving mallet.

Figure 3: The figures are beginning to be blocked out.  The piece is still in the canyon, far below any road.

Figure 4: The calf, the horse and the rider are continuing to take shape.

Figure 5: The sculpture is finally in the studio.  All three figures are clearly proportioned and blocked out.  The details are established from this point with a variety of tools, primarily a Nicholson #50 pattern rasp which not only rapidly smooths out gouge marks but can be used to establish details.  A Nicholson 1/2 round second cut file removes the rasp marks and prepares the surface for 220 sandpaper and ready to be refined.

Figure 6: A closeup of the finished sculpture.

Click Here to see “Dust and Dreams” in the Treasures of the West Gallery with the poem that Chris wrote for this sculpture.