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 25 - Muddler Minnow

Muddler Minnow

5x7, soft pastel

The Muddler Minnow...hmm, what to say about this guy.  Well, he's brown...a bit on the drab side...but a great streamer fly (fished wet) primarily used for trout.  This guy mimics a minnow and it is said that brown trout are especially vulnerable to this fly having been known to charge out of an undercut bank to hit the fly like a freight train.  

It's a good idea to use a floating line with the fly streaming three to four inches under the surface.  If you like to float down a river in a raft, this fly can't be beat!

Fly 12 - Purple Pleasure

Purple Pleasure

5x7, soft pastel

Purple Pleasure is an example of a tube fly.  This version is made by The Canadian Tube Fly Company.  Tube flies are exactly what they sound like, they are tied onto a tube instead of a standard hook shank. Tubes are thicker than a conventional fly, according to The Canandian Tube Fly Company, an attribute many steelhead and salmon fishermen find desirable.  

Hook size and style can vary depending on fishing conditions (regulations permitting) as well as the tube materials (plastic and various types of metal) which allows for greater control over the weight of the fly.

Tube flies have been around for some time, particularly in Europe. It's only recently that they have been successfully fished on the west coast of Alaska, Washington, B.C., and Oregon.  While the Purple Pleasure hasn't yet been tested on steelhead, apparently its been very successful in attracting trout on darker days.

If you tie flies you might want to head on over to the company's website where they go into much greater detail on the benefits of trying out this relatively new and versatile type of fly.    www.canadiantubeflies.com

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 8 - Elk Hair Caddis

Elk Hair Caddis

5x7, soft pastel

This elk hair caddis is a fly that is a really big winner when it comes to it's popularity with trout fishermen.  As my husband says, this tie is the simplest to tie, one of the most effective in creeks and rivers but...one of the ugliest of ties.  Alas, some flies are just...sorta...ugly.

I had hoped for better painting results.  But alas, I don't think I did it justice.  I'm now wishing I had painted the background black or a dark brown.  Oh well....there's always tomorrow! 

Fly 6 - Copper John

Copper John

5x7, soft pastel

Almost every day so far I've said "I think this is my favorite"...well, today was no exception.  This is indeed my favorite so far and it's mainly because of the reflective qualities of the copper and beads.

Created fairly recently by John Barr in 1993, the Copper John is an attractor nymph. This fly is extremely effective in nearly all trout waters and has become the go-to fly for trout fishermen and women everywhere. 

This little beauty has many variations when it comes to the colors a person can use both in the wire, beads and feathers.  The most amazing thing about this fly isn’t just the gorgeous colors of the beads and copper but the size!  Because they mimic actual newly hatched nymphs, they’ve got to be very tiny (somewhere in the 1/2 inch range).  If you’d like to see John tying this fly check out his article: http://midcurrent.com/flies/tying-the-original-copper-john/

I now have a new appreciation for the usefulness of a vise for tying flies!