My First Cover

I'm absolutely elated to have illustrated my first magazine cover. What's more? It's with the prestigious Pennsylvania Angler & Boater magazine which means a great deal to me.

If you'd like to get the magazine, check your local sporting goods store, or subscribe at fishandboat.com.

Because the PFBC focuses on reptiles and amphibians in addition to the fish, I was happy they wanted an amphibian cover. I chose the Eastern Spotted Salamander as my species because they are so stunning to see, and I have some experience with them in the field. I think personal experience with the subject really helps give it that extra something special for both the artist, and the viewer. I don't enjoy painting things I haven't seen "in person" before, because I end up feeling like some kind of imposter in most cases. Of course, there are exceptions.

When I began the initial sketches of my design, I chose black morels to create a central focal point in the composition, and added fiddlehead ferns, trout lily, and hepatica wildflowers. Because all of these things were available to me in the present, I was very much in the "mood" to bring them to life through my artistic hand.

There were two reasons I chose these species:

1. Spring ephemerals like these are at their prime when Spotted Salamanders are breeding and making their way to vernal pools.

2. All three of these species were present near the vernal pools where I frequently see spotted salamanders.

3. Of the spring ephemerals, the color palette really clicked with the yellows and blues of the salamander. I felt overall, everything worked out really well.

Having my own reference material really helped with this illustration. I have dozens of photos of spotted salamanders, morels, and each of the wildflowers I depicted, so I just studied them closely and put thought into how and where they would fit into the final composition. In the end, I felt it was very balanced, and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to have my work represented on such a fine publication.

P.S. - I also did a spot illustration inside the magazine and designed the back cover. I'll save that for another day.

Until next time...

Fly Fishing Journey: Day 2

I spent a few hours in the Little Juniata this evening, to continue to building my skills as a fly fisherman. I didn’t travel far, mostly focusing on a stretch of a few hundred yards to practice casting in a more open area. I’m happy to say that my casts were much smoother, and more accurate than yesterday.

The presentation in one pool was enough for one of the small wild brown trout rise and take the gray caddisfly I had tied on. SUCCESS!

I’ve learned the hard way that I need to invest in a floatant spray, because after awhile the dry flies get waterlogged and submerge below the surface. I didn’t know such a thing existed until today! I could dry them off by blowing on them, but it seems to be something I had to do very frequently.

I had several other strikes/misses with dry flies that left me at least enthusiastic that I was presenting the fly correctly.

So the clear leader (?) attached to the bright green floating line is too short now. It appears it is getting closer to a thicker clear line that is tied to it, which then ties to the fly line. It has become RAPIDLY apparent that I need to learn all of the types of line and knots I need to replenish my rod. Otherwise I won’t be getting out again!

I landed 6 fish total, my first being a wild brown trout. I also caught 4 bluegill and 1 green sunfish which my cousin-in-law Dawn Cochran witnessed from the bridge.

Clearly I have a lot to learn, but I’d like to also congratulate myself on learning a few things one step at a time and catching some fish tonight.

Both times I’ve gone out I’ve purposely left my spinning gear at home. That way I wouldn’t be tempted to switch to over something I know I can catch fish on.

So far I’m really, really enjoying this. If anyone has any tips, I welcome any and all advice. Thanks for reading.

#flyfishing #catchandrelease #newbie