Hanging Around

Hanging Around

17x13, soft pastel

This is a larger than usual painting for me and it was a fun one to tackle.  I love the shadows cast from this scarf's fringe and the Western/Southwestern feeling of the piece.  I've been painting as much as I can the past few weeks preparing for two art shows, one at Meadow Lake Village in Meridian the evening of May 4th (open to the public) and the other one is an art show the evening of May 12th in downtown Boise. The location of the Boise event is not to be advertised on social media because it's a "by invitation only" show.  However, if you are in the Boise area and would like an invitation I have a few to distribute (you can contact me by commenting to this post).  It should be an exciting show as 61 artists will be displaying their work.  

Streaming Sunlight

Streaming Sunlight

8x8, soft pastel

            

Early morning sunlight streaming through the window...how do you depict that delicious feeling of filtered light and warmth in a painting?  Well, this was my attempt.  

Fly 27 - Copper John - Dive Bomber

Copper John - Dive Bomber

5x7, soft pastel

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the Copper John fly pattern was originally tied by John Barr and has become one of the most popular fly patterns of all time.  This little guy is a key fly to have in one's fly box (assuming you have a fly box).  

The Copper John mimics stoneflies, mayflies, and other sub-aquatic nymphs and can work in rivers and lakes across the world.  The Copper John fly pattern needs no introduction for most fishermen/women, but if you are new to fly fishing and especially new to fly tying, this is a great pattern to know how to tie.  The Copper John can be tied in almost any color or variation of colors and can be tied in hook sizes #8–24.  I call this one Dive Bomber because he looks like he's ready to dive below the surface.

While I am just an artist painting flies...I have to say, I'm really hooked on this one. 

Fly 23 - Pale Morning Dun Mayfly

Pale Morning Dun Mayfly

5x7, soft pastel

The Pale Morning Dun Mayfly is a commonly used fly during mid-summer months when mayflies are most vulnerable to trout.  The elk hair hackles enables the fly to maintain just the right amount of float allowing the fly to hang just below the surface of the water...which is where many trout take advantage of the short stage of a mayfly from emerger to adult.

Fly 15 - Joe's Hopper

Joe's Hopper

5x7, soft pastel

Joe's Hopper is a terrestrial type dry fly. This particular fly can also be fished as a wet fly when it's weighted.  While it does look like something out of a bad sci-fi movie, it's supposed to represent a common grasshopper.

Terrestrial fishing flies are land-based creatures (think spiders, beetles, ants and crickets).  My husband even has a few mouse-like flies in his fly box...but I draw the line at painting a mouse fly.  It's bad enough I had a nightmare last night of being buried alive with stone fly nymphs crawling all over me!  

Developed by Art Winnie in the early 1940's. Joe's Hopper was known as the Michigan Hopper but evolved into the name of Joe's Hopper by the 1950's. Why Joe?  Because it was a popular pattern used by Joe Brooks (1901-1972).  Joe was often referred to the Father of Modern Fly Fishing and is actually in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame...now, who knew there was a fishing Hall of Fame?   Not me but I suppose my dad would have known.

This fly is fished within riffles (rocky or shallow parts of a stream or river with rough water) or along banks and deep pools during the hottest part of the day.  Think of those hot summer days when the grasshoppers are out bugging the heck out of you.  That's when you use this little guy.

I should point out that during hatching, the Hopper doesn't work well (because there's plenty of good eats for the fish I presume) but when there's a shortage of nymphs...pull this guy out and give him a try!

OK...I know...I'm beginning to sound like a fly fisherman. Don't tell my husband or I'll be drafted soon to get out on the water with him!   I think I'm content to just paint these puppies in the comfort of my studio instead.

Hope you enjoy this one and only terrestrial!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween

7x5, soft pastel

I don't know...it just seemed like a good idea to do a Halloween themed piece.  Better yet, I thought if I made a caramel apple from my favorite apple of all time...the red, juicy and delicious Fuji apple, then I could eat it after finishing the painting. 

YES!  That's it!!! What a great idea, huh? I have absolutely no will power and I mean AT ALL...zip...zero...nada (and my husband has even less will power than I do)!  So, unfortunately, I only made one caramel apple in a crazy attempt as self control.  

Oozing with sugary goodness...it lasted approximately 1 hour before I split it in half and shared it with my husband (of course only after we added a heavy dose of crushed almonds to the outside caramel). OOHHH, was it ever good! My mouth waters now just remembering it!  The painting then had to be finished based on memory...which might be a good way of practicing my painting skills anyway.

So now I'm thinking I just might paint a whole series of decadent desserts...(one at a time of course)!!