Winged Royal Coachman

Winged Royal Coachman

5x7, soft pastel

This is another popular Western fly, the Royal Coachman winged version.  He almost got away from me because my initial sketch wasn't the best in regards to proportions.  My husband kindly reminded me though that it's a common problem even with fly fishermen/women who tie their own flies.  The materials they use can be cumbersome to handle making proper proportions a bugger to achieve.

The Clearing -2

The Clearing - 2

9x12, soft pastel

A second take on The Clearing.  This time with a bit more sunlight coming from beneath the clouds. 

Honey and Sugar

Honey and Sugar

6x6, soft pastel

This is a fun little piece to go with some of the other food related paintings I've done lately for the Sept. 30in30 Challenge. I didn't have a specific theme this time,  just painting whatever comes to mind.  Honey and sugar...what could be sweeter? 

Callibaetis Nymph

Callibaetis Nymph

5x7, soft pastel

Callibaetis are adaptable to extremes and can be found throughout the West in desert ponds, roadside ditches, rivers, streams, lakes and even tidal marshes 365 days a year. They thrive best in waters where trout are also found making them a favorite for trout and fishermen/women alike.   This nymph is all decked out with extra "flashabou" (love the name of those sparkly strands). 

Yellow Sally

Yellow Sally

5x7, soft pastel 

This fly is another very popular one used in the Northwest....and probably elsewhere.  It gets its name from the yellow body of the fly.  This pattern represents the Western Yellow Stonefly and is a very effective fly for catching trout.

Bead Head Nymph

Bead Head Nymph

5x7, soft pastel

I do love the little nymphs...and this one is as colorful as they come.  While I'm not sure the specific species it might be representing...its colors surely will attract the fish!  Nymphs are extremely small...many measuring  approximately 1/2 inch.  When I paint one from life, I typically have to use a magnifying glass to see it.

The Clearing

The Clearing

6x6, soft pastel

I haven't painted skies before...so this is my first attempt.  This is a shot taken by my grand-daughter recently who requested a sky painting for her birthday.  This is just a little study...I'm hoping to improve on skies and do a bigger one for her soon.   Skies are a foreign subject matter for me...much more to learn!