Frequently Asked Questions

Each carving begins as a solid block of basswood or tupelo — both chosen for their fine, even grain that responds well to detailed knife work. The body is carved and shaped by hand, then painted with multiple layers of acrylic paint to build up realistic feather patterns, shading, and color. Glass eyes are set to give each bird a lifelike presence, and the piece is finished on a handcrafted base — typically black walnut, cherry, mahogany, or a natural wood slab — chosen to complement each species.

A working decoy is a functional hunting tool — buoyant, durable, and painted for visibility at a distance on the water. A decorative carving, like the pieces in the EHLegg collection, is an art form: carved to precise anatomical proportions, painted in fine detail to replicate a specific bird's plumage, and mounted as sculpture. Decorative wildfowl carving has a deep tradition in American folk art and has been recognized as a fine art form at competitions like the Ward World Championship since the 1970s.

Each piece represents many hours of concentrated work. The carving and shaping phase alone — roughing out the form, refining feather groups, burning individual feather detail — can take anywhere from several days to several weeks depending on the size and complexity of the species. Painting adds additional layers over that, with each coat requiring dry time before the next is applied. A finished piece with a custom base represents weeks of cumulative craft.

Keep your carving away from prolonged direct sunlight, which can fade acrylic paint over time. Dust gently with a soft, dry brush — never use a damp cloth or cleaning spray on the painted surface. Avoid storing in high-humidity environments or near heat sources, which can cause wood movement. With basic care, a wood carving will remain stable and vibrant for decades.

Yes — available pieces are listed in the gallery and can be purchased directly through the EHLegg Etsy shop, which provides full buyer protection and secure checkout. Each listing includes detailed photos, dimensions, and pricing. Sold pieces remain in the gallery for reference.

Prices range from approximately $145 for smaller accent pieces to $1,100 for full-size shorebird sculptures, depending on size, species complexity, and base work. Each piece is priced individually and listed with its price in the gallery.

At this time, Edward H. Legg does not accept commissions or custom orders. All available work is listed in the gallery. If you are looking for a specific species or have a question about future availability, you're welcome to reach out via the contact page.

Every carving is carefully packaged to protect it in transit — the base and sculpture are cushioned and secured individually before boxing. All purchases made through Etsy are fully insured and covered by Etsy's Buyer Protection program, which provides a refund or replacement if a piece arrives damaged.

Wildfowl carving is the art of hand-carving and painting wooden bird sculptures — historically shorebirds, ducks, and wading birds — to achieve lifelike anatomical realism. Rooted in the American decoy-making tradition, it evolved into a recognized fine art form in the 20th century. Today, carvers compete at events like the Ward World Championship in Ocean City, Maryland, where pieces are judged on anatomical accuracy, painting technique, and overall artistic merit. Edward H. Legg has competed at the Ward World Championship and other regional shows for over 20 years.

Edward H. Legg has earned over 30 Best in Show awards and 50+ placements across regional wildfowl carving competitions, including a Best in Show at the Ward World Championship — considered the most prestigious competition in the craft. His work has been featured in Woodcarving Illustrated magazine and the book A Woodcarver's Guide to Drawing & Carving Wildlife. A selection of his pieces is permanently displayed at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve on Long Island, New York. See the full awards history on the Awards page.