2024-09-11 – Foundations of Acanthus: From Drawing to Carving

Schedule: 

September 11-15 (9:00 am-5:00 pm CT)

Instructor: 

Jock Holmen

Location: 

This is an in-person class held at Vesterheim Folk Art School. 

Drawing is the foundation that carving is built on. Drawing acanthus sets, shapes, and curves, including shading in the drawing, adds a three-dimensional understanding. With drawing knowledge, the transition to carving with a chisel becomes much easier.

In this class, you will learn the basics of acanthus drawing and carving through good technique and practice to confidently and joyfully explore acanthus carving beyond this class. Jock Holmen will cover the elements of acanthus design, starting with drawing basic shapes to creating elegant, ornate leaf and scroll designs in wood.

Level of Instruction: 

All levels. No experience is needed.

Supplies: 

Carving gouges and chisels. A few toolsets are available from the instructor. If you bring your own tools, there will be less waiting to use the same tool.

If you have the following tools (or wish to purchase them) please bring:

• Basic tools needed (Tool #s are Pfeil Swiss Made):
• #12 - 12mm V tool
• #1 - 20mm
• #3 - 4mm gouge
• #3 - 20mm gouge
• #5 - 16mm gouge
• #8 - 10mm gouge
• Other tools
• #12 - 3mm V tool
• #1s - 20mm beveled 2 sides
• #4 - 14mm gouge
• #6 - 6mm gouge
• #7 - 14mm gouge
• #8 - 14mm gouge
• Mallet
• Pencils, erasers, graph tracing paper, and notebook
• Acanthus Carving and Design by Bob Yorburg with illustrations by Hans Sandom.

Please Note: Do not bring palm tools.

Some of these tools are available for purchase from Vesterheim Museum Store.

There will be a materials fee of $20 payable directly to the instructor before class. Please study drawings in Acanthus Carving and Design before class.

Enrollment Deadline: 

August 21, 2024

Click here to learn more about instructor Jock Holmen.

Please read our COVID-19 Policies here.

Vesterheim’s woodworking classes are supported in part by a generous gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund from the Eric and Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust.