Cyber Monday at StridArt

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Just a friendly reminder that StridArt is open for business this holiday season!  Why not surprise your Dad, Husband, Wife, or someone special with a very unique gift this Christmas. 

Give a call or send an email to inquire about a painting, print, or a commission idea!

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Thanksgiving Muddler

Happy Thanksgiving Week!  I thought I'd start this week off with a nice Muddler Minnow Fly.  Brown seems to be a very "thanksgiving-ish" color to me.  I have also included the actual fly that was the model for this painting.  The fly was given to me by my wife, as she felt it was a beautiful fly...agreed.  Looking forward to some Thanksgiving family time this week. 

Water color on 9"x12" cold press

Permit In Light

The Permit, Trachinotus falcatus is a fish found in the shallow, tropical waters of the Atlantic...or the fly fisherman's southern destination..."The Flats".  It is one of the most difficult fish to catch, but worth the fight..so I'm told.  The Greek origins of the name Trachinotus falcatus mean "Rough Back" and "Armed with Scythes".  A reference to the sharp dorsal fin that occasionally protrudes out of the water.

Water Color on Cold Press 9"x12"

I thought this would be a nice painting to get people thinking about the warm weather destinations they have planned for the upcoming winter chill up north. (Also would make a nice Christmas present.)  I know I've been thinking about it as evidence of my painting subject!  Here is a link to a guide service called Tropic Bay that charters trips to St. Martins Reef off of the central west coast of Florida and the Keys.  I'll try to keep some warm weather subjects coming your way to let you have a nice daydream.  Now, close your eyes and queue the Bob Marley tune Trench Town Rock!

Who has tropical fishing plans this winter?

Two of Hearts - River Runt

The Two of  Hearts is a the lovers card.  I chose this subject with some inspiration from a deck of playing cards given to me by a friend.  The Deck includes old school fishing lures and spinners.  I thought this one paints an interesting idea.  The 2 hearts of lovers...the two incredibly sharp tri-hooks...perhaps waiting hook each heart together.  What do you think it signifies? 

The River Runt c. 1929. 

Here is a great website that has an unbelievable collection of old lures, including the River Runt: Old Fishing Lure

Jim Warner - Gray Winni Smelt

I opened some mail last night to find a nice early Christmas present from the one and only Jim Warner.  Jim is a legendary Fly Tier who resides in Melvin Village on Lake Winnipesaukee in NH.  I spent my summers as a child on that lake and have sweet memories of the place.  The gift I received from Jim last night included 2 beautifully hand tied Streamers and a note describing Jim's efforts to reach out to all of his friends on his website STREAMER LIST with a few flies on his list.  Thanks Jim!  And you'll see this paining in the mail shortly.

And here is the Fly Tied by Jim Warner:

Ortlieb's Beer

Ortlieb's Beer - Brewers By Birth Since 1869

Ortlieb's Beer has a long history, specifically in my family.  My Son's Middle Name is Ortlieb.
Here is a great article that dives into the history of the Ortlieb Family and the history of the Beer: Ortlieb's History . If you know Ortlieb's and have a story please submit a comment to me.  TRY JOE'S BEER!

Water Color on Cold Press.

(SOLD)

Knob Creek

Anyone ever go fishing in Knob Creek?  I wonder if the Tyler Legg from Tar Heel Fly Fishing knows anything about the fish in Knob Creek?
I love this 9 year Bourbon.  It is delicious.  I'm typically more of a single malt guy, but when bourbon is poured, this one is at the top of my list.  (Update - 9.20.10 - Had diner Saturday night at Belrose 333 in Radnor, PA.  Was thinking about a tasty drink to unwind my body and had a Manhattan with Knob Creek.  It was the perfect compliment to my Cesar salad and rare cheeseburger!)

8" x 5.5" Watercolor on cold press 140 lbs paper.
Visit their site...has some cool facts.  Did you know that Winston Churchill's mother invented the Manhattan?
Knob Creek

Tungsten Hot Wire Prince Nymph

It's been a few weeks since my last upload.  Had trouble getting any time to sit and focus on a painting.  This Prince Nymph was a fun one to paint.  I've used this pattern a number of times with some great outcomes.  I recently used in in some local PA Waters. 

Watercolor - "Tungsten Hot Wire Prince Nymph" 140 lb cold press paper.
Found the model on River Bum.  Great website with tons of great Fly Fishing gear and Tackle....check it out here:
RiverBum