When I started building kayaks I had the same grand, complex stripping schemes you seem to like. They were beautiful but, in hindsight, overly complex. About 4 years ago I was asked to build my first Black Pearl by the fantastic Swedish designer Bjorn Thommason. I got to know him pretty well and he introduced me to concepts of European deisgn, especially Scandinavian, when I was working on the intricate pattern for the Nereida Njord project. The basic concept is to think more minimalistic. Let the overall shape and features stand out. Like he said, the first concepts I had were very busy. It was like trying to put together an orchestra of soloists. The different design features were competing with each other for prominence.

In the end I decided to go with a simpler overall pattern. From a distance the larger sections compliment and follow the lines of the boat. As you get closer you see the grain of the mahogany and curly maple, separated by the thin lines of walnut and cherry. The accent strips define the areas, not compete with them.

Like Bjorn said, "sometimes less is more..."

Something just to keep in mind, especially for a first project.

Best wishes,

Dan

PS: I've noticed this in Nick's boats as well. Compare his early Expedition Single to his more recent Nymph canoe, the Micro Bootlegger, Mystery and his stained Petrel. He's really refined the "less is more" motto. Very classy.