This is a maple tree on our property. One branch reaches out about 40 feet from the trunk of the tree. A couple of donkeys are standing in to show scale. The limb stretches to the far left of the picture and is resting on a stone.

A small clay model was made and used to help block the figures out. However, at this point I have proceeded with 'direct carving'. Pointing and measuring from a scale model is tedious; 'direct carving' gives the sculpture more 'life'.

When 'direct carving', by removing the waste stone that is 'obvious, it can bring the forms into relation to each other. This can create the next set of 'obvious' removal. However, it must be carved cautiously or you can take too much off in the wrong place.

Here you can see that stone has been removed from under the 2nd cubs leg.

Here is another -the third cub - of the almost completed group. He plays with an atler shed and is looking in the direction of his smother who is catching a salmon.

These are the two siblings playing. The cub climbing is also looking at his mother and realizes that lunch is coming soon.