Fine Art America - Fly Fishing Prints

Having finished the 30in30 Challenge and creating my collage, I was asked if I had prints to sell.  This is a question I've been mulling around for a year or so, trying to think of the best way to share my art with anyone who enjoys it without them incurring the cost of an original piece (yes, I'm frugal too).

So, I joined Fine Art America and put just a sprinkling of images on that site.  I suspect I'll add more as the days go by.  So, if you're interested in a print of a piece that's not on Fine Art America please let me know and I'll add it.  You can email me at:  cindygillettart@gmail.com 

If you're interested in purchasing a print, there are several options to chose from.  On Fine Art America you can purchase a print, see it in a frame and select a frame and matting if you want, or purchase the image as a canvas print, even tote bag or throw pillow!  Crazy, I know!  There's even an option for cell phone cases, duvet covers, T-shirts, and shower curtains...but for now, I thought that might be a bit too much.  If you disagree and want any of those products just let me know.

Have a favorite fly you'd like painted?  Submit a comment and I'll contact you directly for the details.  I've never met a fly I don't enjoy painting!

If you'd like a direct link to my Fine Art America page click below:
Cindy Gillett at Fine Art America


Or, click below to go to the general Fly Fishing search pages at Fine Art America:
Fine Art America - Fly Fishing Art

Also, what could be better than a comprehensive article on the Ultimate Guide to Fly Fishing? Check out the article at Tackle.com:  https://www.tackle.org/ultimate-guide-to-fly-fishing/

Fly 31 - Orange Nymph

Orange Nymph

5x7, soft pastel 

Well....here's one more since January has 31 days in it!  

The Orange Nymph is attributed to Joe Cornwall of the Fly Fish Ohio website. I have to admit...I started with one design and ended up with another...so I don't know if this one is extremely accurate...but he sure is colorful! Apparently, blue gill are really attracted to the color orange.  While this nymph looks like it's a late stage nymph, I would imagine it's fairly attractive to a lot of other types of fish as well!   

Ok, now I should confess. I have developed an addiction to painting flies. I don't know what it is...probably because many are so colorful and there are literally thousands of fly patterns to chose from.  So, I plan on painting flies from time to time...just for something fun and relaxing to do.  Enjoy your day!!!

Fly 30 - The Lady Amherst

The Lady Amherst

5x7, soft pastel

Well...today is officially the end of the 30in30 Challenge!!   I'm both relieved and a bit sad.  

There's always a lot of support (especially from family, friends and fellow artists) that really helps boost my confidence and willpower to make it to the end.  So, to anyone out there who may be reading this (I assume someone, somewhere is)...I say thank you for taking the journey with me.  I hope there was a painting or two that you enjoyed seeing during this past month.

Today's painting is the Lady Amherst (tied by Monte Smith) which is an early season Atlantic salmon fly, most commonly tied on large irons.  Even though this gorgeous fly is tied in the classic Ranger style, the Lady Amherst is not what purists consider a "true classic" salmon fly (having been invented  in post-Victorian era Canada in 1925 by George B. Bonbright).  However since it was invented that long ago, it's a classic in my book!

Like me, do you wonder how this fly got it's name? I was thinking it was named after English royalty.  But, I suspect it was because the main body feathers are from the Lady Amherst pheasant.   An absolutely beautiful bird!  

And, now you know...

Fly 29 - Russian Intruder

Russian Intruder

5x7, soft pastel

Once again...I am drawn to blue, teal and green colors of a fly...this time the Russian Intruder.  This fly is a steelhead fly originated by the late Juri Shumakov.  He used a series of cones on plastic tube, tying fur and feathers in between each cone.  This style has long been proven to be successful for steelhead fishing.  

Fly 28 - Double Bead Nymph

Double Bead Nymph

5x7, soft pastel

Did I mention earlier that the Copper John fly pattern is considered a wet fly as well as an attractor?  The weight of the nymph head allows this tiny fly to sink quickly to the bottom (especially with this double beaded version)...where the big fish lay waiting!

This particular nymph was tied by a friend, Clint Shiflet, and given to my husband to try out.  Apparently it's pretty effective...Vic may be tying a few more of these little guys. 

Fly 22 - Rock Island Featherwing Streamer

Rock Island Featherwing Streamer

5x7, soft pastel

Monte Smith (www.nwflytyer.wordpress.com) created this version of a featherwing streamer...the Rock Island.  These types of flies originated from the Rangeley Lakes region of Maine.  They are attributed to Carrie G. Stevens (c. 1920s) of Upper Dam, Maine, a self taught commercial fly tyer.  Carrie elevated the eastern streamer from a utilitarian tool to an art form as you can see.  To learn more about this and other types of flies check out Monte's website...he knows much more about flies in general than I'll ever know! 

Fly 20 - Yellow Sally Stonefly

Yellow Sally Stonefly

5x7, soft pastel

The metamorphosis from egg to nymph to fly is fascinating.  As shown below (courtesy of Encyclopedia Brittanica).  While the nymph stage is quite long (12 months)...the change from late stage nymph to a fly taking flight is only 24 hours.  As the emerging fly's wings dry out on the surface of the water, they're pretty suseptable to being snatched up by a hungry fish.  Lucky are those who live long enough to take flight!

Fly 11 - The Little Brown Trout

The Little Brown Trout

5x7, soft pastel

The Little Brown Trout fly was originated by Samuel R. Slaymaker II of Gap, Pennsylvania.  There are several trout flies attributed to Mr. Slaymaker in his streamer series.  All of these flies are effective flies while fishing for trout using a stripping action.  What is a stripping action you ask?   No, stripping isn’t disrobing and wearing your birthday suit while fishing…it’s the action of pulling the line in (after casting it out) in a quick methodical pace several inches at a time.   The resulting jerking action of the streamer fly really gets the trout's attention.

Fly 4 - Evening Breeze

Evening Breeze

5x7, soft pastel

Here in Idaho, we are experiencing a week of very cold weather.  So, the title of this next fly (a featherwing streamer) captured my imagination.  I’m looking forward to the cool summer evenings! 

Tying this fly consists of using copper wire, silver tinsel, pheasant and peacock feathers…oh yes, and a little white bucktail. I find it amazing the furs and feathers used it the construction of a fly.  

Below is an image of the anatomy of a salmon fly…for your enjoyment and my future reference.  While this is a salmon fly and not a featherwing streamer, you get the idea of what goes into the making of a fly.  The image is of a fly called a Silver Doctor tied by Jack Madden.

Fly 3 - Midnight Blue

Midnight Blue

5x7, soft pastel

This fly is called a spey. What is a ‘spey’ fly?  The term is used to describe a type of fly featuring long body hackles. According to Monte, the modern steelhead speys look quite different than the classic spey, but they do retain a certain similarity in style.  I'll have to research the classic spey to see the difference.

The origin and development of the spey fly is attributed to Scottish anglers who fished along the River Spey in Scotland during the early 1800s.  A gorgeous fly!

On The Fly

On The Fly

6x8, soft pastel

Appropriate name for this one. Without much forethought I just dove in and started painting this one...on the fly.  After several hours I realized I was once again overworking it...once again, I tried to put too much detail in it and the colors were off.  There wasn't really any way of fixing it.   So, rather than beat myself up...I'll just say, "I like the sky."

September Sky

September Sky

6x8, soft pastel 

Today is day 19 in the 30 in 30 challenge.  This is painting #20.  I felt the need yesterday to get a little ahead of the curve and post two pictures...having a bit of a cushion is easier on my psyche!  The challenge had been fun...but painful...exhilarating...but exhausting...rewarding...but defeating...and at the end of the day...satisfying.  The most satisfying aspect for me is being able to (very humbly) get out of my comfort zone and practice, practice, practice. 

Earlier in the month I declared to you (assuming there is someone out there reading this)...I declared that I am definitely not a landscape artist.   Then I reflected on that statement and told myself..."Hey!  Now is the time to force yourself to try and grow a bit and not accept defeat or hide behind an excuse!"   So, I've stayed in my "discomfort zone"...I've committed to myself to trying skies, earth, water etc. for the final two weeks of the challenge.  So...this is "September Sky".  A typical Idaho scene that my mind conjured up...but one that I'm sure I've seen over the years while travelling around the state...most likely on a fly fishing trip with my husband.