Waterfowl Decoys

[Decoyman]

I have been collecting waterfowl and shorebird decoys for decades, but this is the first time I have carved and painted one.

It is a Wood Duck Drake in a sleeper or resting pose. It was carved from a basswood blank and painted with oil-based paints. I used a good deal of "artistic license" in the details, but for a decorative decoy, it is fine for me. I was lucky to have a great piece of driftwood to act as a base if it ends up on display somewhere in our home.

As you can see, even without a keel or bottom weight, it still floats in a good position.

I hope you enjoy these pics taken of it this morning.

 

[iluvpeeps]

Wow...it looks real

 

[waterdog]

Great job looks awesome I have been carving decorative for about four years now when I get time, nice to see someone else on here who carves.

 

[waterdog]

Are you carving by hand or with a power carver, I use a Foredom which I really like. I haven't started anything new the last bird I carved was a North American Ruddy Duck.

 

[ES Emus]

nice looking birds! I used to carve ducks, then I carved fish. I wish I had the time to get back into it. I have been collecting antique decoys for almost 30 years.

 

[Decoyman]

I really like the Ruddy Duck Decoy - I carve mine by hand.

 

[Decoyman]

Recently have carved and painted a few more birds. Really enjoy the processes and a local gallery sells some of these carvings as well as my paintings and the children's book that I wrote and illustrated. Egret, Goldfinch, Nuthatches, Chickadee.

 

[Decoyman]

I always enjoy wood working and wood carving projects during the colder months. I have wanted to do a Green Heron wood carving for quite some time and it was basically finished today. Never can tell if I might not add another brush stroke or two to the paint surface. It is almost 18 inches in length - from beak to tail, is placed on a red cedar base and has a nice downward stance so it can keep a look out for a minnow that might swim by.

 

[archeryrob]

Beautiful work.

I made my own decoys too, but I think mine serve a different purpose than yours.

 

[Decoyman]

Your decoys are a wonderful product of your efforts - they look to be super effective! After all, they more reflect the true concept and purpose of decoys. I enjoyed seeing them on parade!