#550 In the field: Birthday week . . . fishing

Today,  the sun enters Leo - the fifth sign of the zodiac - and tomorrow is my birthday.

This blogpost has been preposted and as you read it, I will be where I always am during my birthday week: Fishing.
This year,  the dogs, Trish and I are in the Colorado high-country, trout fishing.
We're staying in a little rustic housekeeping cabin near our favorite fishing area.

Most years, we are at the island studio on Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada in July but this year, due to
a belated departure to the north country which happens next month, we returned to a place a couple
of hours from our Colorado cabin where I've celebrated July 24th a few times in the past.
One thing is certain . . . when late July comes around, I'll have a rod in my hand!

Below, countless unforgettable outdoor experiences have occurred while on the water and
I yearn for and covet the time spent in wild places . . . it is the source of my creativity.
Happiness is heading out to a favorite fishing spot!

Below, is a photo taken a few years ago while trout fishing in a freezing cold rain at our favorite lake in
northern Colorado on my birthday.  The place is just below timberline and is heavily populated with moose.
These critters sauntered out to feed on the lush grass in the shallows.

One year, a yearling calf became enamored with our little motorhome and every morning while the coffee brewed,
she licked the windshield.  She may have been after the glue on the inspection stickers.  Photos are below.

Another year, we saw this beautiful bull in velvet in the meadow next to camp.

Below, gilled and gutted Brown Trout ready for the frying pan!

Below, is a watercolor painting of a Rainbow Trout.

To learn more about the subjects go to the links below.

For a complete list of the blog index go to the Index Page and

type the subject in the Search This Blog link on the upper right.

Blog, text, photos, drawings, and sculpture . . . © Sandy Scott and Trish

#548 Classic Salmon Flies

Since the mid-18th century the art of tying trout and salmon flies has developed into a sublime and celebrated art form.  Years ago a fishing buddy and friend from Maine gave me six classic double-hooked salmon flies and I was
captivated by their delicate beauty.  I refer to the six patterns I was given as "classic" because they
define the traditional and authoritative designs of all time. 

 The year was 1980 and my medium of choice was original intaglio printmaking using the bitten plate with occasional watercolor tint.  I created an etching of the classic salmon flies as well as individual etchings of each of the six classic patterns.  If ever the use of watercolor enhancement was appropriate for an etching,  the use of color told the story with the salmon flies.  Also, I used an exquisite French Rives buff rag paper and sepia ink which had become an identifiable trademark for my printmaking by 1980.  The sepia ink and plate tone presented an earth tone which blended well
with the transparent watercolor application - much like an underpainting.
The flies were drawn onto the plate actual size and the etchings are shown below.

Silver Doctor

Green Highlander

Jock Scott

Dusty Miller

Black Dose

Durham Ranger

Below, is an image of an etching depicting a hooked salmon. . . appropriately titled,  "Hooked!"

Below, is a photo of Trish with a Pink Salmon - also known as a "Humpy" -  caught on a spoon while casting in
salt water off Morris Reef in Southeast Alaska.  Although I've caught lots of salmon in Alaska over the
years - my favorites are kings and silvers - I've never caught one with a fly . . . there's still time!
By the way, fishing for salmon in the Pacific is MUCH different than fishing for them in the
Atlantic and fishing for salmon in saltwater is different than fishing in brackish or freshwater.

To learn more about the subjects go to the links below.

For a complete list of the blog index go to the Index Page and
type the subject in the Search This Blog link on the right.

Blog, text, photos, drawings, and sculpture . . . © Sandy Scott and Trish

#446: In the field and studio: "firsts"

The first great event of my life was a family summer vacation to Yellowstone when I was 13.  The Wyoming trip plunged my young life into a rich adventure which would change me forever . . . it was the beginning of a spell that the West has had on me to this day.

Having never traveled beyond Oklahoma, this event presented many "firsts" in my young life:
First time in a boat, caught my first fish - a Cutthroat Trout . . .  saw my first Elk, Antelope, Moose, Bald Eagle,
Grizzly, Bison, and Mule Deer.

The experience revealed the treasures and possibilities that lay ahead in life:  I now live just two hours from
Yellowstone and never fail to reflect upon and realize the meaning of that summer vacation long ago . . .
the vast and wondrous frontiers waiting to be explored were unveiled during that first trip out West.

 Below, a watercolor from my sketch book.

Below, a recent sculpture . . . Elk Bull and Cow Bookends  15"H 14"W 8"D

Below, a clay sketch in progress of an antelope bust

Below, a small oil study of a moose  5" x 7"

Below, dedication of Presidential Eagle at the National Museum of Wildlife Art . . . with Bill Kerr, founder 

Jackson, Wyoming

Below, Tail hook  19"H 36"L 18"D

Below, Buffalo Fragment II  18"H 17"W 7"D

All painting, sculpture and etchings - copyright Sandy Scott