My first deep relief carving - Elephant in Frame 2012

Stained with walnut oil.  

I've wanted to try my hand at carving something within a frame for quite some time....that is, carving a frame and its contents all from one piece of wood. Originally the inspiration came from paintings that I envisioned in a more three dimensional light....coming out of the frame. The piece below was inspired by a picture that my wife used on one of her beer labels.  The knot in the wood where the sun is inspired me to use that image with that particular piece of wood.  When it's fully sanded and finished, the grain of the wood should enhance the sun in the top corner.

In progress: Indian elephant based on image used in Emily's label (above).