Black background with white text that reads 'Bob Boun, Wood Carver' in a handwritten style.

This isn’t Real…it’s Wood.

Hyper-realistic sculptures hand-carved to challenge what you see.

Selected Works

Beige T-shirt hanging on a black hanger against a white background, with a red logo on the upper left that reads 'Waterhole #3, Marbleton, Wyoming'.
Cream-colored T-shirt hanging on a wooden hanger with a metal hook, featuring a colorful graphic of Waterhole 3 in Marbleton, Wyoming, with cartoon animals and vehicles.

From Block to Illusion

Bob Bruu is a contemporary wood carver who turns basswood blocks into lifelike everyday objects—hats, sneakers, and more—blurring craft and illusion. Meticulous hand carving and layered paint create hyperreal sculptures that prompt questions of reality. Inspired by overlooked items, his work reframes them as artifacts of identity, culture, and memory. From his 100-year-old Barn Studio in McKinney, TX, Bruu advances the expressive potential of wood, giving quiet, extraordinary presence to the commonplace.

Commissions

Much of my work is based on personal and meaningful requests.

Whether it’s Grandpa’s Favorite Hat, your Favorite Teams, Corporate Gifts, or creations for Sneaker-heads, it all begins with a unique idea. Want a true one of a kind? Click below for more information.

A high-heeled shoe with a purple bow on the ankle strap and a red sole.
T-shirt with colorful graphic depicting the Waterhole bar in Marbleton, Wyoming, including cartoon animals and a vintage truck, on a wooden hanger against a white background.
Denver Broncos cap with signature and message reading, 'John Elway 2X Super Bowls!'
A high-top sneaker with black, white, and red detailing, featuring black laces and a patterned sole.

View the Gallery

Man standing in a woodworking shop, wearing a cap and apron, with various tools and wood pieces on the shelves and workbench behind him. The shop has a rustic wooden interior with a string of lights on the ceiling.

All of my wood art is hand carved and hand painted, mainly using basswood and leather paints. My carvings can take anywhere from 20 to 200+ hours to complete.

My Workshop and Studio is a 100+ yr. old refurbished barn in the historic district of Downtown McKinney, TX.

Click HERE to see the latest on where I’ll be exhibiting my work next.

I know buying art is a very personal thing and I’m always humbled by those that choose to invest in my work. If you want to learn more and see what works are currently available Click Below.

Silhouette of a cat sitting on a bench with a tree and a sunset in the background.

Testimonials.

  • Gary U.

    “My son recently graduated from Purdue University. As a graduation gift idea we chose to have a Purdue hat carved out of wood.We received the hat which looked amazing. My son was in shock when he saw the carving as he had no idea and was an exact copy of the hat he wore through college. He was amazed how realistic the carving is the real hat.Thank you Bob!!!!”

  • Jake & Tiffany R.

    “Our experience with Bob was world class. We brought an idea to him and he turned it into an unbelievable, detailed work of art. The finished product is something we’ll truly cherish for the rest of our lives. Thank you Bob!”

Pink display of women's flip-flops with gold-colored straps and small decorative stones.

Have a Custom Request?

Let’s work together.