The most commonly requested loon is the Common Loon.  The photos above and below show two full-size carvings (nearly 2 feet from tail to bill tip).  The chicks (seen in the photo above) may be placed wherever the client wishes (on the back, trailing or by the adults side).  One like these is $950.

There are five species of loons in North America.  The Common Loon (above) and the Red-Throated Loon (below) are the most likely to be seen in the continental U.S.

To the left and below is the Red-Throated Loon.  This species has a "snaky" head and upturned bill, both nicely captured in these custom orders.  Both are life-size, at about a foot and a half from tail to breast.  The scientific measurement of this species is 27 inches, but that's measured from the tip of the tail to the tip of the bill, with the neck stretched out.  Matt can carve and paint one like these for $750. Note that they differ somewhat in style.  They were done many years apart and Matt does not use patterns

The other three loon species are the Pacific Loon (below, left), Arctic Loon (which is almost identical to the Pacific Loon and was considered the same species until recently).  The Yellow-Billed Loon (below, right) is a bit larger than the Common Loon and the least graceful of the loons as depicted in the carving.
 
 
 

The loon above is about half normal size.  Though easier to handle while carving, the painting (the hardest part) is just as difficult as it is in a larger loon, as reflected in the price of $600.

This stylized carving of a Common Loon is about a foot long from tail to breast and is stylized, much like the style used with the "ebony" collection (click ABSTRACTS to see the latter). It's $300, since a less effort is required in the carving and painting.

The quarter gives away the size of this Common Loon.  Even here the painting is demanding and $175 is a very fair price for the client.

Talk about less care in the painting!  It sure saves time, but it works because it's folk art, not fine art.  Notice the hole in the wood near the front. This also has a folk art price - $100.  The buyer was delighted with it and preferred it to a more realistic representation.

Grebes

The delightful little life-size carving to the right depicts a Horned Grebe in summer plumage.  There are other species of grebes Matt would love to do if asked, such as the Eared, the Pie-Billed and the Western Grebes.  Matt will do one of this quality for $350. Notice the detail in the feathering on the head and the relief carving on the back.  Without these it would cost $75 less.