A special program for the serious woodcarver, who wants to go one step further in obtaining proficient woodcarving skills and confirm it by a certificate.

The aim of the Geisler-Moroder Woodcarving Certificate is to give carvers a comprehensive insight into the profession of a woodcarver. The certification is comprised of eight different themes, with each theme being covered in a one-week course. Each course is 43,5 hours and is divided into practical application and detailed theory lessons.

The eight one-week courses do not need to be done in one block. We think that everybody can manage to attend all required courses within one to four years. Please note that you can attend each of the courses individually too, if you do not want to pursue certification.

Required Courses:

Human Anatomy
Practical: The carving of anatomical studies will give you more confidence in making human bodies. With the guidance of one of our master woodcarvers choose a model from the 600+ available, or bring your own model to work on.
Theory: Learn the proportions of the body as a whole and how to apply these general rules to your carving.

Ornamental/Decorative Carving
Practical: The best method to get more efficient and to improve your carving technique. Suitable for frames, nameplates, coat-of-arms, chairs, etc.
Theory: Sketch - Develop sketching skills for creating your own ornamental designs. Review and compare different styles.

Head
Practical: The representation of the human head and face is very important for every sculptor. Carving a face, a portrait, a mask or a bust.
Theory: Detailed study of the proportions of the head and how these proportions change as you age. Also learn the important things that will give you superior results whether carving an original or copying other works.

Animals
Practical: The carving of animals has a long tradition in all cultures and also in the alpine regions.
Theory: Anatomy of animals. Learn realistic and stylized depictions of popular animals such as cows, horses, birds and sheep.

Nude
Practical: One of the most difficult but also most interesting parts of woodcarving.
Theory: Drawing of movement. Learn more detailed information on proportions; learn the important things to make a good nude figure such as the theory about muscular and skeletal anatomy. Basic understanding of this theme is critical in all figural carving, whether realistic or abstract.

Drapery/clothes
Practical: Carve a figure from your own drapery model or from the numerous models available to you. The complexity of the model can range from very simple to the very intricate.
Theory: You will find this theme in every historical period. Learn the differences between Gothic and Baroque and other styles. Drawing of draperies - Modelling of draperies

Styling of figures
Practical: This is an important subject that will assist you in learning how to visualize a subject and the roughing out of your carving
Theory: We will show you how to make figures stylistic and how to simplify figures. Building up models a cubistic or simplified way.

Relief
Practical: Bring a picture of your favorite barn, pet or choose from one of the models available. This is a good subject for beginning carvers. Advanced carvers will also find it a challenging theme with more complex subject matter
Theory: The importance of perspective in relief carving. Drawing exercises dealing with foreshortening and architecture.

For more information, please contact us or one of our representatives:

In the USA:
Carl G. Wiggins
2306 Lime Rock Road
Birmingham, Alabama 35216, USA
Phone: 205-979-1111
Fax: 205-979-0200
email: wiggs7@aol.com

In the UK:
DAVID ANDREWS
The Den, Nursery Lane
Kings Lynn, Norfolk
PE 303 NB, Great Britain
Phone: 01553-672903
Email:andrews12@btinternet.com

Also in the UK:
Peter S. Hurrell
85 the Crossway
Portchester, Fareham
Hampshire PO 168 PD
Great Britain
Phone: 02392-373899