Monthly Archives: February 2010

Limit the palette and make it memorable

Posted on February 26, 2010 by walkerg

One of the lessons I keep learning over and over again is limiting the palette. Artists often confine themselves to a small handful of colors for a painting and in some cases are able to achieve incredible results working with … Continue reading →

Posted in Design Basics, proportions | 2 Comments

Sketch kit

Posted on February 24, 2010 by walkerg

Winter still grips tight, pressing on nerves stretched thin, and senses cooped up. The landscape might be snow covered but Barbie and I hop in the car to see if birds are on the move yet. A drive on Sunday … Continue reading →

Posted in Design Basics, tools | 2 Comments

A good beginning

Posted on February 22, 2010 by walkerg

 I used to work with a guy who’s nickname was the Wizard. He was one of those characters who had to top any story you came up with. Your car wreck was just a mere scratch compared to the giant pileup … Continue reading →

Posted in proportions, The Classic Orders, Uncategorized | Comments Off on A good beginning

Tough Customer

Posted on February 19, 2010 by walkerg

 I’ve heard it said that the most demanding customers are the ones who have (or think they have) a higher level of knowledge about a product. The guy who’s driven by price is easy. You can either hit the price … Continue reading →

Posted in Design Basics, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Treasures in the attic

Posted on February 17, 2010 by walkerg

Last summer while filming Unlocking the Secrets of Traditional Design: Moldings, our little crew from Lie-Nielsen Toolworks had a unique opportunity to explore the attic in a historic building. Curator Jay Robbins took us up to the fourth floor attic … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, designing moldings, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Treasures in the attic

Sizing a crown on tall case clocks

Posted on February 15, 2010 by walkerg

 I didn’t list this in my earlier post on Murphy’s laws of woodworking but I’ve found this to be true. It’s nearly impossible to build just one tall case clock. You start out with the intention of building one for … Continue reading →

Posted in designing moldings, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Nature winks

Posted on February 12, 2010 by walkerg

 I stopped at the end of my drive and caught something moving out of the corner of my eye. On the ground not twenty feet away a red tailed hawk flapped his wings as he struggled to get a better … Continue reading →

Posted in The Classic Orders, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Murphy’s laws for woodworkers

Posted on February 10, 2010 by walkerg

I’m pretty jazzed about a couple of design classes slated for this upcoming year. First up is a weekend workshop at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking this June 26th and 27th. If you are feeling the itch to begin … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments

The right hat

Posted on February 8, 2010 by walkerg

My first job after high school was as far away as I could get from where I grew up in Ohio. In June of 1975 I found myself on a cattle ranch in Western Montana. My older brother was my … Continue reading →

Posted in designing moldings, proportions, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

If you can’t hear it, you can’t play it.

Posted on February 5, 2010 by walkerg

A few months ago on this blog we were discussing links between music and design. One comment struck a chord with me.   “If you can’t hear it, you can’t play it.”  That rings true to me and resonates with my approach … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments