Nice progression. Keep up the good work!
MJC4 You may want to carve your basic form first. Sand that then stain. Then the detail will stand out.Thanks guys.
I used some techniques I got from a video, Carving on the Corner by Gary McDaniel, (You Tube) and some other tips I got from the book Carving Wood Spirits beyond the basics. For me the wood spirits are truly fun to carve as no two are ever the same, at least the ones I do!!
Next one I do on 2x4 pine I think I will sand the pine block and stain it dark first before carving to get good contrast between the carved features and the wood.