Step-by-step instructions and color photographs guide wood-carvers in the creation of an endearing cowboy figure. Accomplished carver Cleve Taylor brings the hard-working western cowboy to life in basswood. A combination of exacting detail and wry good humor make Taylor's carvings unique. In this instructional book, Taylor shares his carving methods, which combine hand and power tools. Carvers can follow Taylor's detailed and lively instructions presented here to learn his techniques for creating Western art. Each step is well illustrated with full-color photographs. Once the piece has been carved, Taylor provides detailed instructions for painting and finishing the work. Patterns for four cowboys and a horse are provided. An additional pattern for a unique flexible wooden body pattern used to create a variety of realistic poses is included as well. The gallery provides perspectives of the cowboy carved and additional cowboys to fire the imagination and inspire the intermediate and advanced carver. The detailed instructions make this book an enjoyable and educational challenge for the beginner, as well as an valuable source of inspiration for more experienced carvers.