Earlier this week I was hired by a local theme park to come and carve their stump.
At the Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge NY, just a short 45 minute drive. They had a tamarack tree that had to be cut down, so they left a 14 foot stump for me. Not a huge stump, but enough to get a couple playful bears.
Here is my creation after 11 hours between two days:
Here is what the stump looked like before I found the bears:
A few pictures of the progress:
I made a simple sign quick for the bear to hold.
It was all carved and ready to refine and paint. I was about 8 hours into it.
Finished the bear on top first so I could move the scaffolding out of the way.
Sanded the entire tree for a smooth look and then burned the bear and owl before sanding them and painting.
Here it is all finished except for varnish, which the park will have it's painters apply in a couple days.
Here's a gif video of a walk around:
Water Safari onsite https://imgur.com/gallery/GCcwr41
They hired me 2 days before the park opened for the summer so it was kind of a rush job. Paid me handsomely as well as a handful of tickets with a free hotel stay when I bring my family to enjoy the park. My two and a half year old son is going have a blast here next week on a well deserved little mini vacation.
I hope you enjoy seeing what I saw, if so feel free to upvote and resteem. I love what I do and I'm happy to share.
Thanks for looking