Popper

Had a chance to hit a Gander Mountain the other day in Wisconsin and picked up a few things I probably don't need and will rarely ever use but they were on sale and well.... I am weak
Does anybody else have this problem when entering any outdoor shop?

Summer On The Flies

Yet another joint Bigerrfish, Year On the Flies post. This one a segmented Stone.

I sketched this one out the other day and added a bit of color then sent it over to Bigerrfish to tie up. I have left it up to him to name so if you are curious about what its called you have got to visit his site.

Flies On A Lilly

Have you ever hunted Big Bass or Bluegills in a pond and just knew that there was a bruiser hiding under the lily pads. One cast just on the edge or perhaps a hairy mouse like pattern landed on the pad itself then gently pulled into the water begging that fish to bite.
That is what I thought of when I saw Mikes pic of his flies on a big lilly and it was his photo that inspired this work. Flies On A Lily is 8in. X 11in. watercolor. I have also added a progressive record to show how it came together.
Please visit Mikes Gone Fishing and tell him I sent you.

Scetched out and then pened over...

Color adding up...

Foam Emerger

The use of this foam is great and reliable to keep those flies near the surface.

Brooks Browns & Bows Trout

Here is a great looking trout taken from the Brook, Browns, & Bows blog. Sometimes I am inspired by those that follow my blog and when I feel the need to paint a bigger work, I often turn to these followers for great looking pictures. You can call it poaching, but I call it a tribute to those fellow trouters out there. Plus a plug for those great blogs never hurts. Check out his blog and see the real thing!
I've done a progressive work photo record for this using my phones camera so excuse the quality. The actual work is @ 18 inches by 10 inches with a Trico fly placed near the tail.
First the sketch..

Work in some color..

Color the hand...

Add the Fly & Done!

Colors used in this work Include:
Prussian Blue
Ultramarine
Deep Hookers Green
Olive Green
Deep Red
Permanent Orange
Azo Yellow
Paynes Grey

Hope you all enjoy this work and keep posting those fishy pics.

Yellow Humpy

Alright, I know I've been slacking on the posts in the past few days but after over 200 plus posts I have still been able to keep my commitment to one post a day, one fly a day, for what has past in 2010. It is something I was not sure I could do and I am sure something a few of my friends and family raised an eyebrow at when I told them what I intended to do way back in December 2009. I guess I cant blame them after all I do have more than a few half finished projects out there as a testimony to my over zealous ambitions. - a half finished 19' sailboat being the most prominent reminder to all.
But I have stuck with this so far and it has been a rewarding experience. So far I have doubled my time on the water and at the tying bench, increased the knowledge one needs to hunt those elusive fish, improved my skills as an artist, and made a few friends along the way. In the next 100 plus days to come in this year I hope to continue this trend and with the help of you followers of A YEAR ON THE FLY I know I will.
For today here is a Yellow Humpy to make up for the few lack luster posts I have made recently. Incidentally I discovered that the inside of my camera lens was gooped up which has contributed to the poor pictures as of late.
Cheers.

Quill

Orange Butt Bear

I have posted another photo of this fly since my camera malfunction but am still disappointed in the lack of color it captures in the orange butt. Oh well.. you win some and blah blah blah.

Big Trout Killer

Made just fore those deep hole dwelling browns.

Eggs with Extra

I've seen this fly with the extra material which simulates the stuff usually surrounding the eggs and hear it is quite effective. Might have to give it a try.

Random Dry Fly

Silver & Yellow Crossaboom

S.O.T.F. BB&G Nymph

Summer on the Flies continue with the BB&G Nymph. What does BB&G stand for? Bigerrfish, Biots, & Glass. This little trout killer is a bigerrfish creation made from goose biots, copper wire, flex floss legs, and a gold glass bead for the head. Check out his site to see the real thing.
This is 9x6in watercolor done on 140lb coldpress paper.


This shot was taken on a little family outing to the blueridge some time ago. What a beautiful country!

Red Needle Nose Tarpon Flats Killer

Here is a red and white needle nose flats tarpon killer fly. The painting is a 10"x8" done on 140lb watercolor paper.

Night Hawk Salmon Fly

If you don't like the fly you have got to like the name. Night Hawk - a killer black a salmon fly.