You meet artists who carve wood. Then you meet Alec LaCasse, who carves people—their expressions, their spirit, their stories—directly into timber with precision and heart. He’s taught thousands how to carve, built a thriving online school, and distilled years of practice into a beginner-friendly book that helps you carve lifelike faces step by step. You’ll see why his work resonates: it’s technical, it’s personal, and it’s built to last.
A journey shaped by faces—and by teaching
Alec began carving young and never let go of the craft’s discipline or joy, leaning into the challenge of realism—especially the human face. Over 14 years of instruction and 17+ years of carving, he focused his energy on teaching the fundamentals that help you build real skill: sharp tools, sound forms, and clear methods. You feel that discipline in his lessons and his sculptures—every plane matters, every cut has intent.
He founded Fundamentals of Woodcarving to make serious training accessible and practical, with projects that move you from simple whittling to refined portraits. Each month, he adds new beginner, intermediate, and advanced projects, building a growing library (80+ and counting) that helps you progress one deliberate step at a time. You don’t just watch; you practice, submit work, and get illustrated critiques that show you exactly what to change and why.
That same clarity shows up in his book, Carving Faces in Wood, published July 16, 2024. It’s an A-to-Z guide that breaks down tools, anatomy, methods for eyes, noses, mouths, hair, and the subtle differences that make faces feel alive. The goal is simple and direct: shorten your learning curve so you can carve faces faster and better—with confidence.
Why does Alec LaCasse do this? Because he loves people and believes the face is where the story lives. He teaches because good instruction accelerates growth, and he carves because the craft demands honesty—no fluff, no shortcuts, just you, your tools, and the form emerging from the wood. That’s the standard he sets for himself and his students, whether they carve for joy or sell their work professionally.
Alec LaCasse Key Facts :
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Focus: Realistic and stylized carving of the human face, plus floral, wildlife, and mythic projects for skill-building.
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Teaching: 14 years as an instructor; thousands of students taught; some now full-time or part-time professional carvers.
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School: Fundamentals of Woodcarving—80+ long-form projects, monthly new uploads across skill levels, critique via illustrated overlays, private forum, and both live and recorded sessions.
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Pricing: Monthly plan at $34.99; yearly at $349.99.
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Tools and materials: Beginner-friendly knife and V-tool setups; advanced tools include specific gouges, V-tools, skews; basswood, birch, cedar, cottonwood bark are common woods.
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Book: Carving Faces in Wood—Beginner’s guide to lifelike faces; 120 pages; published July 16, 2024.
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Outreach: Active YouTube channel with tutorials and school overviews; regular projects, tips, and community engagement.
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Recognition: Invited educator and contributor in carving circles, including Woodcarving Illustrated and public programs.
You learn faster when the path is clear. Alec structures projects so you build muscle memory and judgment one cut at a time, with direct feedback to fix mistakes early. You get practical tool lists and wood choices so your setup matches your goals. You also get accountability—new projects every month and a community pushing you forward. If you want to carve faces that feel alive, this method helps you get there with less frustration and more wins.
Real craft happens in the hours you put in—carve when you’re excited and when you’re tired, when it flows and when it fights back. Sharpen your tools, find a mentor, and stop chasing “original” before you’ve mastered form. You’ll find your voice by telling the truth in wood, one honest pass at a time.
If you want to share your story on Art Tellers, email us at info@arttellers.com. We want to hear how you work, why it matters, and where you’re headed next.
Frequently asked questions
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Who is Alec LaCasse?
Alec is a woodcarver, instructor, and author focused on realistic faces; he founded Fundamentals of Woodcarving and has taught thousands of students. -
What is Fundamentals of Woodcarving?
It’s an online school with 80+ long-form projects, monthly new lessons across levels, critique overlays, and a private forum; it blends pre-recorded and occasional live sessions. -
How much does the school cost?
Monthly is $34.99; yearly is $349.99. -
What does his book cover?
Carving Faces in Wood teaches tools, anatomy, techniques for eyes, noses, mouths, hair, and step-by-step projects; published July 16, 2024. -
What tools and wood do I need to start?
Begin with a 1-1/4″ knife and a V-tool; as you advance, add specific gouges and skews; common woods include basswood, birch, cedar, and cottonwood bark. -
Where can I learn more or watch tutorials?
Alec’s YouTube channel features carving lessons, school overviews, and technique breakdowns. -
Does Alec LaCasse teach in person?
He offers in-person events and workshops periodically, alongside the online school. -
What makes Alec’s teaching different?
Clear structure, realistic focus, detailed critiques, and consistent new projects designed to build real skill that translates to sellable work.
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Want to share yours? Send it to info@arttellers.com. We’re listening.
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