"Cover Model" Brown Trout - Progressive Start to Finish

I wanted to once again show the different stages of my painting process.  Below, you will see how my fish comes to life through the painting.  From top to bottom you can see where I begin on this Brown Trout from the base layer to the finishing detail.  The reason she is called the "Cover Model" is she is loosley based upon the beautiful Brown Trout on the cover of "Fly Rod & Reel" magaznie's Spring 2010 issue. http://www.flyrodreel.com/magazine/2010/april

Water Color on 140 lb cold press - 5.5" x 8"                                          

Stage 1 - The Sketch, outline, and base colors.

Stage 2 - The body formation, eye set up and more base layer.

Stage 3 - Bringing the layer effect to the spots and adding depth and dimention.

Brand New Frame for this beauty:

Wide Open Brookie with Skunk

The Wide Open Brookie was also a previous painting that I had shared on my blog, but was never satisfied with the finished product.  I have recently added a green butt skunk to the mouth of the fish to complete with what I feel is the finishing touch.  She was hungry and deserved more.  Have you ever caught a Brook Trout with a red butt skunk? 

Water Color on 140 lb Cold Press - 15" x 22"

Valley Creek Brown Trout

Water Color 5.5" x 8" on cold press.  Naitive Brown Trout I caught on Valley Creek in Valley Forge PA.  This was a spectacular fish at aproximatley 13".   She hit my elk hair caddis dry hard and fought the good fight.  So great to catch these native browns in Valley Forge.