Painting Through Prosek: Alaskan Rainbow Trout

On to the next section of Prosek's book (I've inserted an Amazon link here. I figure I owe Prosek that after photographing so many of his images and posting them here. The book is a great addition to any fish lover's collection.). The Rainbow and Redband have many subspecies. I don't think I'll be painting them all, but I'm planning on highlighting the ones that jump out at me for one reason or another.

We begin with the Alaskan Rainbow Trout: Oncorhynchus mykiss mykiss

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As Prosek writes in his book, everything is bigger in Alaska, including the trout and mosquitos. Based on the tone of his writing, he clearly had an amazing experience while in Alaska. 

I also used a couple pictures from the internet to guide me with the color choices. 

I really wanted to get the olive colored back right. I also used a little different technique with regard to brush strokes. I think this gave a more "scaled" appearance. 

I've been bouncing around the idea of making some blank cards out of these paintings. It might be a good way to raise some money for our local Trout Unlimited chapter here in Southeastern Virginia. 

Until the next time.

Painting Through Prosek: Mexican Golden Trout

After looking at the few online photos and illustrations of the Mexican Golden Trout that I could find, I've decided James Prosek painted a mix of the male during spawning colors and the female specimen. That being said, having never seen one of these little Mexican beauties, who am I to presume such things?

The Mexican Golden Trout is the last of the species in the chapter on Apaches, Gila and Rios. 

During spawning season, the male sports a bright orange belly. 

From what I can tell online, the par marks seem to be persist past the juvenile stages.

The par mark on the left is a bit darker than the rest, now that I look at it.

Next up, the book delves into the Rainbow, Redband, and Golden Trout. I've selected 7 of the 15 fish to paint. After that will be the Cutthroats. Now that is a big chapter. 

New Video: The Bountiful Piankatank

The Bountiful Piankatank from My Leaky Waders on Vimeo.

My Saltwater Fly Fishing Journey began a little over two years ago on the Chesapeake Bay with Capt. Chris Newsome. Late September 2013, I rejoined Capt. Chris in search of Striped Bass, Speckled Trout, and Red Drum on the Piankatank River, a tributary of the Chesapeake. The River was generous and Murphy's Law held true with a dead camera battery prior to netting the last and biggest fish of the day. Still photos got the job done, however.

Music: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, "Om Nisha Me"

Filmed with iphone 4s and GoPro HD

http://myleakywaders.blogspot.com

http://bayflyfishing.com

http://sweeetandsalt.blogspot.com/

Painting Through Prosek: Rio Yaqui Trout

The quest continues. If I can, I'm looking to paint about 15 more from Prosek's book. 

I chose this selection of the Rio Yaqui because of the pale green coloration. It was a nice contrast to the previous specimens. Continuing with my tendencies to be heavy handed with the acrylics, the pale pea soup green coloration of Prosek's water color came out much a much deeper color. In order to change things up a bit, I added the pectoral fin. Rio Yaqui!

Spots and Stripes: A Day on the Piankatank River with Capt. Chris Newsome

For my birthday present, I got a day fishing the Chesapeake Bay with Capt. Chris Newsome of Bay Fly Fishing. My good friend Kevin of Sweet and Salt joined me for a day of fantastic fishing. Check out his more thorough recap here. 

Almost all the photos credit goes to Kevin on this one. Nice work bud. 

Capt. Chris finding us some Peanut Bunker (Menhaden)

Ridiculously gorgeous morning. 

Fish finders. 

A Healthy Striper. 

My fish of the trip.

Just a great fish. 

Look at that snaggletooth. 

Kevin found the only red of the day.

Nice work, Kevin. 

If you are looking to get on the water, now is a great time to do it. If you are looking for a guide, Capt. Chris is one of the best. I'm hoping to get the video up and rolling in the next week or so.  Until then. 

Painting Through Prosek: Gila Trout

Just like that, we are on to the Gila Trout. 

Prosek provides a nice glimpse into the struggles of the Gila and the efforts to protect it. 

He really highlights the pink splash along the lateral line. 

 My par marks are a bit too small and too close together. 

I added some definition to the rib bones  on the belly.

Next I may try to combine the trio of Rio Yaqui/San Lorenzo/Del Presidio Trout.

Painting Through Prosek: Apache Trout

After finishing the Char with a Dally Varden three-for-one, I've moved onto the next section of James Prosek's "Trout: An Illustrated History." 

The first specimen is the Apache Trout. What used to be an endangered species has made comeback partly because of such strong work by the local Native American conservation efforts. 

At first I wasn't happy with my ability to match Prosek's painting, 

but in the end, I think it turned out well.

I'd love to catch one of these some day.

Prosek's image. 

So there it is. We will see what is next soon enough.