Art & Technique of Scandinavian Style Woodcarving: Step-by-Step Instructions & Patterns for 40 Flat-Plane Carving Projects

Rating:
Summary: Easily the Best Carving Book Available
Review: Harley's new book builds on his previous book on Scandinavian woodcarving, but he adds much more both in the area of carving and the history of carving. There is the old familiar Oskar but there is also a Scandinavian horse. There is additional information in the history area, a section on painting, as well as an expanded section on patterns. The photography is in color and quite detailed. If you are a wood carver, this book will be a wonderful addition to your woodcarving library.


Rating:
Summary: Harley Refsal's Latest
Review: This book is a revision of the 1992 classic by Harley Refsal. The new book is a larger format with a lot more color. My previous copy had been getting pretty dog-eared so the new one came along just in time. For those of you who may not be familiar with Harley's previous work, his is the foremost publication that describes the history and methods of "Scandinavian Flat Plane Carving". In my opinion, Scandinavia is the origin of the genre that we all love and call caricature carving.

The new book has added a section on carving and finishing the Dalcarlian Horse - the classic horse carved in Sweden for almost two centuries. The demonstration of Flat-Plane figure carving is of Harley's Oskar, an immigrant-era figure. The instruction is extremely detailed and about like having Harley over your shoulder taking you through the entire process. A number of new patterns have been added to this edition.

If I had a limit on the carving books in my collection, (and thank goodness I don't have) Harley Refsal's would be one of the select few.