Looking for helpful critiques

[phmann]

Here is the blog site I just started. I'm pretty new at this but I'm looking for some pointers, unless my work is perfect , as to where my time would be well spent practicing or improving.

https://mriverapipes.wordpress.com/

[phmann]

[Sasquatch]

I think the cavalier is better then the freehands, and I think it's because you had something specific to aim at. The freehands lack grace and intent, could benefit from a lot of refining in shape and proportion, whereas the cavalier is proportioned better, has nicer and more defined lines.

At this stage, I'd say go do about six billiards, get used to taking off that amount of wood, master curvature on straight bowls (if that makes any sense) and then come back to this freeform style of pipe and you'll get a a more attractive result much more easily. It's really weird how one moves into the other.

[wdteipen]

We're two for two; I was going to say the same thing as Sas. I know a lot of guys may roll their eyes at the advice but studying and copying a well established shape is one of the best and fasted ways to develop your skills. With classic shapes you have an established standard to measure your work to so it's easier to see where you need to focus your efforts for improvement. The billiard is a good place to start and is harder than it looks to get right. Leave the artistic freehand stuff aside until you've developed some skills.

[phmann]

I completely agree with you guys and I appreciate the feedback. Problem is I knew the freehand designs could benefit from something..... Just couldn't put the words to it. I've done a few "billiards" but they are sorry excuses for proper proportions. My plan is to focus on some basic shapes down the road. I don't think that's advice worth rolling your eyes at; there are some basic skills worth getting down on those designs. It's like learning your way around the kitchen before you open your own resteraunt.

[phmann]

I think the cavalier is better then the freehands, and I think it's because you had something specific to aim at. The freehands lack grace and intent, could benefit from a lot of refining in shape and proportion, whereas the cavalier is proportioned better, has nicer and more defined lines.

At this stage, I'd say go do about six billiards, get used to taking off that amount of wood, master curvature on straight bowls (if that makes any sense) and then come back to this freeform style of pipe and you'll get a a more attractive result much more easily. It's really weird how one moves into the other.

By curvature of the bowls do you mean the slight "taper" on the sides of the bowl that gives it shape and character"

[Sasquatch]

Yes. One of the areas that makes a "pro" versus an "amateur" billiard is the heel. Very few (some, but not most) billiards actually have straight walls. So there's a curve in the wall, it has to gracefully drift into the curve of the heel, flatten out correctly to connect with the shank..... far easier to do this ugly than pretty. But.... once you get it, get these ideas in your head and get your hands to do them well, then when you go back to a freehand, you'll be able to shape it a lot more purposefully - give it a graceful lean, a sexy pout, whatever you want to do.

[phmann]

Yes. One of the areas that makes a "pro" versus an "amateur" billiard is the heel. Very few (some, but not most) billiards actually have straight walls. So there's a curve in the wall, it has to gracefully drift into the curve of the heel, flatten out correctly to connect with the shank..... far easier to do this ugly than pretty. But.... once you get it, get these ideas in your head and get your hands to do them well, then when you go back to a freehand, you'll be able to shape it a lot more purposefully - give it a graceful lean, a sexy pout, whatever you want to do.

Women must love it when you talk pipes.

[Sasquatch]

The action is where the curves meet the shank, you bet.