ANIMALWOOD

Penguin

Medium to carve

Flightless birds that fly through water at 25 mph.

Antarctic coasts and sub-Antarctic islands

Carve it in today's puzzle

Fun facts about the Penguin

Penguins' wings evolved into flippers over 60 million years of aquatic adaptation. Emperor penguins can dive to depths of 1,800 feet and hold their breath for over 20 minutes. Their black-and-white coloring is a form of camouflage called countershading — dark on top for predators above, white below for those beneath. Penguins have a gland above their eyes that converts saltwater to freshwater.

Carving the Penguin

The Penguin offers a moderate challenge: it has both broad areas to clear quickly and fine details that reward a careful hand. Start with the gouge on large negative-space areas.

Switch to the chisel for the mid-range details, and finish any thin protrusions with the knife. Use a Peek if you lose track of the proportions.

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