3rd powder horn scrimshaw

[RJW47]

Hi folks;

I have always wanted to do a powder horn representing the French side in the F&I war. I chose the 1758 battle at fort Carillon as my theme for the pictured horn.

It took me about 12o hours of total prep and execute to create this one. It is The most detailed effort I have ever done.

I still feel I need improvement in shading, as I have seen better horn examples. I guess the skill is a work in progress but I am happy with the results.

This link shows higher resolution images: click here to view

Best Regards

 

[Rifleman1776]

Hard to improve on that. Be proud.

 

[Dave Marsh]

That is a beauty.

 

[RJW47]

Rifleman1776

Thanks and yes I am pleased with it but always striving to improve my techniques. It's always a benefit to hear from other scrimmers. It's funny how the creators always see the weaknesses in their own art work.

58 Calibre;

Thanks for your comments.

Best Regards

 

[BillyC]

I don’t see how you could do better. I’m going to try my hand at a little scrimshaw project for my grandson but I’ll probably be ashamed to post a picture. LOL

 

[RJW47]

Hi Billy;

You may already know what I a speak of below, and also that there are many different techniques people use to aid in steadying and controlling the movement of the scrimshaw stylus.

1) Before starting, use some 0000 grade steel wool to polish out any scratches on the surface of the item you plan to scrimshaw. If you don't you will find that all those scratches pick up the india ink application and will detract from your work. An easy way to test for scratches is to apply some india ink to the area where you think scratches exist, and when the ink is dry use the steel wool to gently scrub it off. If there're any scratches you will immediately see them. Keep polishing with the steel wool until they are gone.

2) If you can get one, I recommend a 3x magnifier on an articulated arm. The magnification will help you when scrimming so you can see exactly what is happening and allows you to easily place the stylus back in the groove when ever you need to continue a stroke..

3) use a very sharp stylus and keep refreshing the edge. Dull styluses tend to slip and cause unwanted cuts.

4) use both hands when scrimming.
I am right handed, so I hold the horn in my left hand with four fingers wrapped around it. When scrimming with my right hand, I rest my left thumb up against my right thumb and middle finder where they come together on the stylus shaft. That way both hands control the stylus movement and avoid stylus slippage. Short strokes work best for me.

Hope that help some.

 

[2 shots]

very nice

 

[andy52]

It's funny how the creators always see the weaknesses in their own art work.

It's a mark of a good craftsman/artist.

 

[NorthFork]

Wow!