Hi Donald; Nice carving of a deer! Are you interested in making it even nicer?
An application of an oil gel stain brushed over the entire picture, and then removed with clean cloths. The gel in the chips will require removing with a soft toothbrush.
Try it on a test piece. The stain in the end grain of the chips will make the deer stand out more than ever. Right now for me at least, it is very blah, and needs some get up and go!
Here's a good example of what I mean. I didn't carve this piece, but have Chip Carved for many years. Most of my carvings have been given away.
Thanks for the comments and advise. I just havent the level of braveness at this point to put the stain to it. I have done that and I am familiar with it but I am still debating. I have this particular piece going up for an auction to raise money for a scholarship fund at Marc Adams School of Fine Woodworking.