Pelicans, Cormorants,
Gulls, Terns and Skimmers
Brown Pelican in breeding plumage
 
 

Pelicans and Cormorants

Pelicans are huge birds.  These "small" carvings (above and below) of the Brown Pelican are about 14 and 16 inches from 
tail to breast.  Each  carving has a lot of detailing on the back to capture the unique feathering, an important characteristic of this species.  It is doubtful that you will find anyone putting the amount of detail and subtle painting into the head as Matt has done here (not without charging a lot more than Matt's $650 price).  Also notice that each one is different; Matt does not use patterns and does each one individually.

   "The pelican is spectacular ... we are very pleased with it."

A client sent the above photo of one of Matt's pelican's in it's new home in Switzerland.



 
 
The Double Crested Cormorant shown to the left is 
just one of many cormorant species.  This carving is a miniature, standing about 6 inches). 

This miniature is $200, whereas a full-size  carving would start at $350 (swimming position, not detailed).  The price would vary, depending upon the time it will take to carve any details and other requested options.

The cormorant to the left is a Japanese Cormorant, the one used in past centuries for catching fish.

This is a full-size carving, sitting (or swimming), without feet.  One like this would be $550.  Note the detail and painting scheme. 

The photo to the right shows a full-size Double Crested Cormorant with its wings spread.  Each wing is a carving in itself.  The photo was taken by the client and does not show 
the carving to it fullest advantage -it is taken from above and appears severely foreshortened.  Matt made the feet from 
wood also.  A carving of this type would cost $750 

 

Gulls, Terns and Skimmers

There are many species of gulls in America, two of which are shown below.  Matt has also carved some of the others, but has no photos of them.
This Laughing Gull is just one of many species of gulls and just one of many black-headed gulls.  This carving sells for $275.  Notice the finely-carved extended wings and the relief carving on the body.  The shades of gray are very important 
in distinguishing gull species that are otherwise quite similar.  You can be sure that Matt takes the time to get this correct too.

The gulls represented is a life-sized Glaucous Gull, a special order for a European client, ($300).   It has raised carved wings.
 
Related to gulls, but usually smaller and finer in appearance, are the terns.  Except for bill and leg 
color, most terns look alike to most  people. Matt  
can capture the subtleties of each species to the 
satisfaction of the most discerning birder. 

This Roseate Tern is a very  delicate carving which  
is priced at $300. 

The abstract carving here is of a generic tern. It's antiqued and placed on a metal stand.  This type of carving (like those in the "Ebony" collection) has a 
special place in certain kinds of homes.   Matt can 
carve a  bird  to  fit the decor of your home. If you 
decide he didn't get it right you needn't keep it.  Call 
or e-mail Matt (see bottom of this page) to discuss your personal concept for your home.  To see other abstracts click on ABSTRACTS.  $175

 
The photos above and below show the left and right sides of two different red cedar tern carvings.  Note how the pattern of the red
heart wood of the cedar varies from side to side and between the two carvings.   Also notice that the right side of the carving below
has the untouched "blemish" in the wood, a characteristic that some clients value in an abstract carving.   The price of a similar carving
is $250.
The Black Skimmer is related to the gulls and terns.  The 
bill you see here is correct! The elongated lower portion is used to skim the water as the bird flies - a feeding behavior.  Notice the tiny chick near the adult's breast.  This is included in this $300 carving.   Because of  the darkness of  the plumage you may not notice that the feathers are carved in relief. 

"I received the skimmer today.  Wow!  It looks great.  I can't tell you how pleased I am.  I will definitely commission you in the future ..."
 

Although similar to the one above, the Black Skimmer carving to the left has a few  hardly noticeable subtle touches that make it a finer carving than the one above  Matt is constantly improving in this way.  In fact, any carving you order will likely be better than those in the photos (see the most recent skimmer carving below).   
This skimmer is $350.

The Black Skimmer below was done much later than the two shown above and is a much finer carving, showing a higher level of knowledge and skill .  Matt can carve on like it for $500.



 
 

 The CORMONS signature on each carving or sculpture


 Reach Matt atE-mail

    Phone:757-665-4698

  Address:  Matt Cormons
                       26201 Dennis Rd.
                          Parksley, VA 23421



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