Dick Spillman – Woodcarver Dick Spillman has always had a passion for working with wood and in 1985 started carving decoys under the tutelage of Chris Murray. He then pursued further studies with Jim Sprankle, Bebe Hopper and Jeff Moore, learning both carving and painting technique with an emphasis on acrylic painting. Dick follows many of the carving techniques of Pat Godin and attempts to create unique patterns for both his decoys and bird carvings. Tupelo and bass woods are normally preferred for all his decoy and bird creations. Dick spends a great deal of time on feather detail work using a combination of gauges, knives, stones and burning blades. He then finishes his work with acrylic paint applied by both brush and air brush techniques. A great deal of effort is put into the appropriate mount or setting for his birds. Dick carves and paints in both West Tisbury, MA. and Phoenixville, PA. His carvings have been entered in the local AG Fair winning a Best of Show for a green heron and blue ribbon for a red-breasted merganser.