In this video, I share my carving process as I work from Pete LeClair’s classic book Caricature Busts—Part 8, where the finished item finally comes together. It’s always rewarding to see the character emerge from the wood, with every detail adding life and personality.
Watch the Video
🎥 You can watch the full carving session here: Caricature Busts – Part 8 Finished Item
About Pete LeClair
Pete LeClair is a legendary figure in the world of woodcarving, especially known for his caricature busts. Based in Leominster, Massachusetts, Pete has been teaching for decades and is admired for his approachable style and humorous, expressive carvings.
What makes his work stand out?
- Bold, exaggerated noses, chins, and ears
- Wrinkled, smiling, and highly expressive faces
- A whimsical charm that captures character rather than strict anatomy
- Often carved in basswood and finished with washes of acrylic paint
Pete has authored several books, including Carving Caricature Heads & Faces, a step-by-step classic beloved by beginners and advanced carvers alike. He has also contributed to Woodcarving Illustrated and inspired countless students through workshops and teaching clubs.
Why I Enjoy Carving Pete’s Designs
Carving in Pete’s style is both challenging and fun. His method encourages creativity, breaking the process down into manageable steps. Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re part of the journey, and caricature carving allows plenty of freedom to adapt.
Working through Caricature Busts has given me a chance to practice:
- Roughing out block shapes before diving into details
- Building up expressive features like noses, ears, and chins
- Bringing out the humor and personality that makes caricature carving so enjoyable
Learn More About Pete LeClair
📖 Recommended resources:
- Carving Caricature Heads & Faces by Pete LeClair (available online)
- Woodcarving Illustrated magazine archives
- Local carving clubs and workshops often teaching “The LeClair Method”
Stay Connected
👍 If you enjoyed this project, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to see more woodcarving tutorials and character carvings.
📺 Explore more:
🌐 Visit the official site: thewhittler.co.uk
📖 Read more on the blog: thewhittler.co.uk/blog/
📱 Follow on social media:
Hashtags
#Whittling #Woodcarving #CaricatureCarving #PeteLeClair #CarvingTutorial #FolkArt #BasswoodCarving #HandCarved #CharacterCarving
