The Blackhawk Woodcarvers Monthly Business Meeting was called to order by Elaine Terrell. Membership dues were reminded for payment by end of January. It was felt that the face-lift at Klehm Arboretum would be a plus for our show. Christmas party is the next meeting in December. It was unanimous that the club pay for pizza and soda pop.

The evening's presentation was by Bob Matthews who gave a teaching session on painting with hands on approach. Everyone was able to paint a mallard feather. From the good results, Bob is an excellent teacher.
 

John Bibby----Two chipped carved plates

Tony DeVita---A carved feather

I would like to suggest that to carve near perfect representations of people or landscapes or objects that one must have knowledge of the subject from the standpoint of sketching before carving. Sketching seems to be a negative word among carvers; fear of it, can not do it, can not draw a straight line, etc., etc. Where does this negative attitude come from? Where is it written that sketching is not for me because I can not sketch? Who said that you could not sketch?

Well, it is never too late to reconsider another wonderful window to carving with a few patient hours to seek means to sketch what you see. I am convinced that anyone can sketch well enough to explore more detail of your carving idea. Yep, there are tons of carving patterns floating among carving books and magazines that would convince most carvers that they not take up sketching. Why waste my time with a sketch or two when I already have a pattern? Consider that return of a high level of satisfaction when you would perhaps revise a pattern by your sketching interpretations of that pattern? Believe me, the accomplishment will feel good!

Do not be confused with creativity. This idea of sketching is merely about seeking your interpretation of a given subject by some means of a few sketches as you see it.

Many authors of sketchbooks state that anyone can sketch if they try to do it. Over the past few years we had guest speakers present thoughts on sketching. Also there have been tours of Rockford Art Museum focusing on seeing what you are looking at. These activities were to stimulate your hidden abilities for new windows of carving. There are two good books available at any bookstore on sketching:

"How To Draw Anything" by Mark Linley

"How to Draw what you See" by Rudy Reyna

Perhaps, with more interest in sketching there may be an opportunity for some informal classes, whereby I would be interested to give this some leadership. Comments would be appreciated,

Keep you tools sharp

Roger Benedict

December 19^th----Christmas party and swap night.

Can you believe that it is time again for the holidays-----Christmas Party & Swap night? Well it is! The December 19^th business meeting is really a time for celebration, old stories, and exchange personal tools etc. For the exchange or sale bring anything having to do with carving; tools, finishing materials, magazines, handbooks, sandpaper ….you get the idea. And for the food, bring a cookie dish or dip and crackers. The carving club will furnish pizza and soda pop.

And for extra fun that will be a show & tell. Bring a finished carving that has something to do with Christmas such as a Santa, tree-ornament, etc. Family, friends all welcomed.

There was a good turn out for the annual tour of the Rockford Art Museum. We toured the Dain Rauscher exhibit and later lunched at the Olympic Tavern. Even though the exhibition had nothing to do with carving, hopefully some inspiration of creativity was developed for the next carving.

It is that time of the year to update your membership. Please pay membership dues of $18.00 by the end of January 2007. Make checks payable to Blackhawk Woodcarvers and submit to John Wacker, Treasurer, or any of the officers. This money supports several continuous expenses as rent, newsletter, and club events. We can not exist without your support. Currently we have 48 full-time members, and 23 half-year members.

NEWS STUFF Please forward any club or member information to the editor.

Anyone interested in handling business meetings' presentations please see any one of the officers.