A Lifetime of Lessons in Woodcarving | Bob Hershey

Bob Hershey has spent decades developing his distinctive approach to woodcarving. In this episode, Bob shares the lessons he has learned through years of carving, taking classes, experimenting with new techniques, and refusing to be limited by the standard way of doing things.

We discuss Bob’s early years of learning to carve from books, long before YouTube and online tutorials made information readily available. He explains how studying with accomplished carvers helped shape his work and why taking classes can save carvers years of trying to figure everything out alone.

Bob also shares:

• Why he does most of his carving with a mallet and chisels

• The mallet technique he learned from Vic Hood

• How carvers such as Vic Hood, Dave Sabol, and Desiree Hajny influenced his work

• Why he paints directly on bare wood using oils and stains

• How he creates depth and vibrant color in his finished carvings

• Why highlighting, shading, and antiquing should be used selectively

• Whether roughouts help beginners or hold back their creativity

• Why the best woodcarvers never stop learning

Bob Hershey is a Lancaster County woodcarver known for his expressive animal caricatures, custom bases, and unconventional oil-painting techniques. His work reflects a lifetime of experimentation, education, and dedication to the craft.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced carver, Bob offers an honest and practical perspective on developing your skills, finding your own style, and continuing to grow as an artist.

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