Black

I'm not totally comfortable with completely painted pieces, but that finish is flawless!
Don L.

very nice

Joe,
I'm not too much into finials either, but I like how the detail in your finial mimics the shape of the hollow form. I think your forms are always pleasing, and I'm enjoying seeing the piece in all black also. It's a great study.

Nice job Joe! I think the finial is perfect for the shape of the hollow form. I have never really cared for painted objects but I think this one does well. It clearly depicts the form.
Rick Taylor

I like the distraction of wood grain and color, but I gotta admit, I spent an unusual amount of time studying the form of this one. I think it's outstanding. The finial looks great, but I think a slight bit more taper in the upper part would have made it even better. Exceptionally nice piece!

Joe, I think the black does justice to the piece. One sees the form without the distractions of color, etc. In my opinion, the finial is a little to long, and, as Chuck said, perhaps a bit more taper and also perhaps a bit of "ooo-aaah" at the top (hopefully you get my drift).

Thanks for all the feedback. I appeciate them all.

Happy Easter 2015!
I realize this is an old posting that popped to the top but I'm just looking at it. Great idea on the black paint. Black is a merciless color. In my auto body business from long ago I only shot it as a full custom color and I charged a lot of money to do it because the prep took three or four times longer than other colors. Perfect was barely good enough. The same is true of this turning.
A simple turning flawlessly executed. It made me look at your later work which is very nice and obviously you have moved on. However I think this piece stands with the present day work quite well!
Hu