Painting Through Prosek: Quail

So I know James Prosek doesn’t really have a painting like this, but I can’t just leave the title so easily and he is big into birds. I figure it works. 

During baby David’s nap the other day I too my shot a painting a quail. They really are beautiful birds. I’ve only seen them a couple times in the wild. After spending an hour looking at pictures on the Internet, I can imagine why people get so obsessed with them. 

This was my first shot at a bird and I went for nearly then entire thing. I think the head went well. 

I let the details go a bit on the tail feathers. 

The finished product. 

Protect the BWCA

I taken a few trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) in Northern Minnesota, and I would go yearly if I could. It is an amazing place. Patagonia has a neat blog post about a couple conservationists who paddled their way to Washington DC from the BWCA to raise awareness about a potential mining operation that could threaten some of the ecosystem in the National Wilderness Area.

Take a peak at the video. If it is something that moves you, read the blog and consider signing the petition to protect the BWCA at this link HERE.

Painting Through Prosek: Speckled Trout

Well, after a quick trip to fish harkers island, I thought it was time to look to Prosek’s book Ocean Fishes for inspiration and tried my hand at the Speckled Trout, also known as weakfish or Sea Trout. This fish can look basically black and white at first glance, but with a closer look the iridescent blues, greens, and purples as well as the rose and buttercup yellows start to shine through. 

I’m not 100% satisfied with it, but that might be more a sign of my personal growth and desire to step outside the realm of the body design and start looking into fins and gill plates as opposed to the actual outcome. 

Regardless, I give you the Speckled Trout. 

Teaming up with Dogwood Black to put a Painting on your Back

Not too long ago, Mike from Dogwood Black approached me to see if we could find a way  to get some of my paintings on his Dogwood Black shirts. His team has done an awesome job coming up with the first line of shirts. Mike is a great guy and I’m proud to be a part of this project. What is even cooler is a good portion of the proceeds will be donated to Trout Unlimited or another similar organization. I love a company that gives back.

When I started these paintings, I didn’t anticipate this outcome, but I am extremely happy Mike contacted me. I can’t wait to see how this will grow and look forward to painting more for Dogwood Black.

Painting a Brook Trout

Ive been inspired to paint a couple more images lately due to a recent inquiry from a fishing busy who has interests in fish designs and art. There was quiet a bit of talk about a brook trout print. As I’ve given away both of my previous attempts, I had the opportunity to work on another one from scratch. 

I looked at lots of photos online and ended up with inspiration from several sources. I thought I would show you some of the layers and steps to the paintings. 

You start with a blank canvas and a cool beer. 

I lay down some textured base colors. In this case I think I used too much yellow. 

I like layering the oranges and reds over the yellow. 

Then it is time to craft some spot. 

Nearly finished. Still looking w bit yellow. 

Done! I darkened up the yellow belly a bit to give her that slightly dirty look, but even that is overshadowed by the autumn tummy. 

Well, thanks for walking through that with me. Have a Happy Halloween!