I found this Equadoran couple in a very interesting carving shop in Quito, the capital of Equador. I thought it was so beautiful- and it was freshly carved and finished by a wood carver who worked in the rear of the store.
As I was negotiating with the carver I could feel my wife, who had just returned from a ceramics store down the block, breathing down my neck.

"And where are we going to put all of these wood carvings?" she asked. "Do you Realize how many carvings you've bought These Last few days?"

or something to that effect. Frankly, I don't know what she said since I conveniently left my hearing aid at the hotel. But I knew one thing for sure, she wasn't going to talk me out of this wood carving, and that's for damn sure! It's a favorite of mine. So I thought I'd draw the original and share it with you.

I'm just a beginner, but being a beginner has some advantages one of which is that I am in a constant state of becoming.

The wood carving that I chose as a subject was found in Grindelwald, Switzerland. When I first saw the original carving I informed my wife that I was going to buy it.

"Another carving," she said. "How are you going to get it home?"- and on and on.

Fortunately, my wife knows how much I love wood carvings, and she finally gave in. "Now that's the last one. There's no more room in the suitcases, and besides,we're going to run out of money!" Well, you know the old story. And just to think, had I not bought it those many years ago, I would not have had the pleasure of sharing this drawing with you.

African Chief, Zimbabwe

I was thrilled when I found the old carving of an African chief in Zimbabwe, South Africa. The original is carved from teak wood and weighs about 12 pounds. The wood carving is starting to crack which accounts for the black, vertical lines on my drawing.

My wife often moves my carvings and other collectibles from place to place in our home, so when I bumped into the one I chose as the subject for my drawing it was like meeting up with an old friend. It's a favorite of mine, and the drawing looks pretty close to the original, so I'm happy with it. I'm finding that I have the most trouble with noses, eyes, and shading.

While visiting Warsaw, Poland a few years ago, I went to a very interesting flea market. As usual I had my eye out for a wood carving to add to my collection. When I found the Polish peasant carrying wood I immediately purchased it and then celebrated with a plate of pierogi and a liter of Polish beer.

Cheers, Doug

Wow! Such a great discovery! Three cheers to all of the wonderful
artists at 'Everydaymatters.' Love the variety; the blogs
that I have started to read are so interesting!

As some of you know, photography and poetry are my bag,
but the primary reason I joined 'EDM' was to improve
my drawing skills.

So last night, after a hiatus of thirty years, I decided to draw
one of my wood carvings purchased
in the Czech Republic several years ago.
I used a pencil an eraser and an ordinary piece
of typing paper.

I would like to share my completed project with you.
Your comments will be greatly appreciated.

Yes, it's wonderful being a beginner, for then,
one can be in a constant
state of becoming.

Cheers, Doug