The Grace and Beauty of the female Steelhead....

Looking at an object is not just looking at an object. As simple as that sounds, I realized in particular with this 'Steelhead project', it is so enriching and challenging for me to get the input of a fisherman on how he perceives a particular fish. Now, these two renderings of a ...and this is a particular important detail...female Steelhead were born with very colorful and rich background details on this fish, which wanted me to portray 'her' as the beautiful,  chrome-colored, elegant and very subdued in color fish...which only underlines her magnificent shape and shine. Never satisfied, I started a second rendering right after I finished the first one. You'll be the judge. 

Wishing us all better weather and beautiful summer days soon to come,

Andrea

Painting for Trout Unlimited in Wisconsin

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of being part of the 2011 State Council Banquet for Trout Unlimited Wisconsin, celebrating their 40 th Anniversary. It was very inspiring to hear about all their involvement in restoring trout streams and the Chapters supporting each other's effort all over Wisconsin and beyond. The enthusiasm and love for the sport and the importance of preserving coldwater resources can be felt among the members of this organization. 

A true credit to the quality of the event was the reaction of my 15-year-old son, a very passionate fisherman himself, who felt compelled by listening to the speakers and meeting the members to take on an active part in the organization. 

During the event, I was painting a Brown Trout, a truly magnificent fish with the most wonderful colors, which I would like to present to you today.

As for my future endeavours, you will most likely find me at events like the Coon Creek Trout Fest, July 23rd, featuring fly fishing and tying demonstrations, a trout derby, quiet water sports, raffles and giveaways and also booths with artists, vendors and guides. For more information, visit their website at www.cooncreektroutfest.com.

The colors of the bluegill.


Now...to put a certain type of fish on paper is a process, as you can imagine. My goal is to portray that particular fish as close as possible so that the fisherman will recognize it as that type of fish, that he happily pulls out of the water..on the other hand..I got to be happy about the result and want it to look like one of mine..easy to recognize. People ask me all the time, how long it takes me, to paint a fish..well, if you consider everything from rummaging through images to watching the fish being pulled out of the water, going to Cabelas and Discovery World to get a good look at them in an aquarium..well..then it's a rather long time. You see, I never quite keep count..it just sort of adds up and it's done when it's done...

And with these thoughts in mind, I'd like to post a couple of versions of my bluegill..one of them is waiting to be finished with some ink and then he'll be ready to be delivered to his new home..

Next on my list, by the way, is a female Steelhead...a beautiful and elegant fish. I'm looking forward to studying every detail.

Have a great June!

Andrea

Open House at the Fly Fishers Fly Shop

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure to be able to be part of Pat Ehlers' Fly Fishers Annual Open House. I was generously invited to paint a Brown Trout during the event, which was then to be given away as part of a raffle.

I can't begin to tell you how much fun it was to meet all those passionate fishermen, to hear their exciting fishing stories and of course, to get their input on my artwork. It was a very inspiring experience for me and I loved sharing the 'story' of my Fish Art and how I go about creating my artwork.

Of course, I wanted to include the piece that

I painted, so that everybody here can take a

glance at it as well.

As temperatures seem to rise much faster than in past years, I think that there will be plenty of opportunities to go fishing and as for me, to see those fish just as they come out of the water, which is so important for me, because, that is how I

like to portray them.

For now I wish everyone a wonderful spring and lots of outdoor enjoyment!

Andrea

Copper and Bass....

The Largemouth Bass and his mystery whereabouts...

Here we have it...another species 'conquered', this is my newest addition, a Largemouth Bass, and, according to my sources it looks very much like the real thing.

Now, the copper color of this particular fish might not seem familiar to you, but, as I have learned, the colors of the fish vary greatly - depending on their environment. This particular bass can be caught in Wisconsin, his exact whereabouts though are unknown to me and I respect the fishermen, who keep their favorite spots a secret!

As far as I can see, the creation of a Brown Trout and a Smallmouth Bass are next on my list.

So long and until next time,

Andrea McCall

Earn a beard...

I don't know if your husbands have a similar tradition, but mine assumes that he has the right to grow a beard every year just before deer and duck hunting season. Now, if you happen to have a husband who is not interested in hunting, you may ask 'Why the Beard'... Well, he tells me it is because his face stays warmer when he is out there in the early hours of the day.


So, ok...fine...but....For my sacrifice having to put up with facial hair I should at least expect some dinner meat in the freezer? Don't you think? Well, I do.


So, this year, I have come up with a new concept and it is called "EARN A BEARD". What that means is...you get to grow a beard, if you have brought home something that can be prepared for dinner the previous year - you know, otherwise it can't be called HUNTING, can it, because then it should be called either DUCK WATCHING or DEER WATCHING, right? Well, that's just my perception, but I may find some followers who agree to this posting, who knows?

Fishing for material

Little did I know years ago that I would be begging my husband to go fishing. Well, it is happening....reason is, I need material to work from, I need to see these guys (I mean: the fish) in person, inspect their colors as they come out of the water... So, what better time than Labor Day weekend to get those things accomplished. And...they delivered, Pike, Perch, Sunnies, Bass (no Walleyes though)... yeah, Teamwork, isn't it great, thanks to the fishing team!

The Fish Lady of Wisconsin...

Now, my husband has been calling me this for a while, but maybe I was a little hesitant at first to accept this title. As of lately though, since I have been getting more and more involved with growing my business, I am starting to appreciate the 'magnitude' of it - and - I mean, why not. Looking around, there aren't that many people dedicating their artwork to just ONE object, let alone a WOMAN painting fish. The latter especially seems to puzzle people.But, you know what, in this economy anything that makes you different is a bonus, even if it means that you are know as 'The Fish Lady of Wisconsin'.

I always like to add a couple of pictures, so this time I would like to present one of my products, the 11x14 inch Trout w/dry flies. It always feels good when a project has been completed, because then you can start the next one. Watch for my Smallmouth Bass of Wisconsin!

Before I go, if this blog makes you feel like you want to go fishing...make sure you stop by at the Fly Shop on 9617 W. Greenfield Ave. - they know their stuff!

Painting away....

Like with all things...the more time you spend doing them the better they will turn out. I had some requests to share my newest two fish. One of course is a Brook Trout and the other a Brown trout.

I will be working on another version of the Brown soon, but have a Smallmouth Bass lined up before that. I am looking forward to my kids' school starting in September so I can dedicate much more time painting.

There are lots of other fish I want to add to my repertoire, like the Musky, the Bluegill, other Bass and so on. Send me a list of your favorites!!

Family Staycation

Let's see. Summer 2009, another Staycation for us. One of the main reasons are the kids' sports schedules. Nobody in Europe would understand that you would give up traveling so your kids could play a sport. Silly, right? Now alright, we figure we stay around here and relax and what happens? Lucky us, visitors come from far away places and we all of a sudden become their home away from home. So while we Staycation, they vacation... I must say I feel a bit exhausted already and our next visitors, consisting of 2 adults and 4 children are coming next week, less than a week after our first summer guest leaves. Now, I am thinking to myself, what are we doing wrong? If it wasn't for all the summer guests we could probably afford a nice cruise to the Caribbeans....but maybe I shouldn't be thinking that way. Because of course I love having friends and family visit, but maybe next time we could VACATION together... somewhere else - where I don't have to cook and shuttle kids around... just hold that thought...well, maybe next year.

Computer age shows my age...

The day has come. My oldest knows more about computers than I do and although I have tried to ignore that fact for a while I can no longer. He is now in on the action of web designing and web marketing. He has always been intrigued by the world of business and ran his lemonade stand profitably since he was 4. Over the years he added staff (his brother, a neighbor), assigned jobs, added other products and tried to improve customer service by offering cups with lids (for a higher price). Now, that he lost his 'cute factor' that business had to be passed on to the younger crowd in the neighborhood. And have I mentioned that he is 13. I'm sure that gives me just a glimpse of what is to come. I am already getting the 'Oh, Mom, that is so boring. You have to go with the time.' And here I am thinking, 'didn't I just send him off to Kindergarten the other day?' But, you know, I am excited, his excitement about life and opportunities is contagious. So keep watching for changes and new gadgets on OUR website, sorry, blogsite...

Pictures from the Port Washington Fish Day

More pictures... I thought it might be a good idea to post some pic's of my set-up. And, as always with these kinds of things, you always get new and better ideas for the next time. But, overall I was very happy with how it turned out, since we hadn't done this sort of thing in a while. Nothing fell down or got wet in the process, that was a relief! And, of course, the credit for that goes entirely to my supportive husband :-).

So, I'm on the lookout for just the right shows and Art galleries and of course, back to painting!

Art Fairs vs. Craft Fairs...

The Port Washington Fish Days...
First thing I learned is that their 'Art and Craft Fair' is really just a minor sidekick to the main event (the entire Art/Craft Fair space is rather small).
Second thing I learned is that I need to concentrate on Art Fairs only. I certainly felt like the odd one out here, since the large majority were offering crafts. I had a lot of people look and great comments on my artwork but I think people were in general expecting to spend less on purchases at the Fair, more likely $20,- and under.
Nevertheless, I received a lot of great input from artists, fishermen, event organizers and made a connection with a gentlemen who is promoting to farm perch commercially.
As for now, I will concentrate on completing my long list of commissioned artwork. I'm definitely ready to go back to painting after matting 100 and some pieces.
All in all I was grateful that the HEAVY RAIN didn't start until it was time to take everything down AND that I had a tent to stay dry in.

The Peacock Bass...

For my show, I'll be taking one of my recent pieces, the Peacock Bass along. The picture measures 24" x 14". It's definitely one of my favorites, since I love intense colors.

One more week...

One more week until Port Washington Fish Days...
As I am getting ready for this Art Fair I am developing a new appreciation for all those creative entrepreneurs heading out to numerous weekend events throughout the year. It takes a lot of planning, preparing, assembling and figuring out how to make things work with what you have. Nevertheless, it's a fun process to be involved in and I'm enjoying (almost) every minute of it. As the date is approaching it's getting more nerve wrecking and I just can't wait for the day to get here.
Hope to see you and great sunny weather around next Saturday...


So long,


Andrea

My first encounter...

This is something I'll remember... my first blog... But I figure if I enjoy reading other people's blog, why not start one myself.
First of all, something about ME. I am actually born and raised in Germany, found love in the US (long story), moved back to Germany with him and lived there for about eight years. Then moved back to the States, lived in Colorado and then settled here in Milwaukee. As a German, that transition was the easiest, it's just such a great fit and I just love the Midwest.
Anyway, I have ALWAYS painted and experimented with a whole variety of media. I ended up graduating with a Marketing Degree from my German university. After working for a few years, I became a stay-at-home Mom and discovered it would be perfectly fine to pursue my desire to create art. Always curious about watercolor, I began taking classes - I immediately fell in love with this technique - the colors are vibrant and come alive, once you put them on paper.
Painting fish really started when we moved to Colorado in 2000. Two boys and a husband spend ALL their free time fishing. Watching them was exciting, but not THAT exciting, so I decided to take my small travel watercolor kit along and paint whatever they were catching. I started painting trout for family and friends but was then encouraged to sell my Artwork. I have had a LOT of positive feedback on my pictures, that now also include Salmon, Musky, Pike, Bass,
Walleye, Crappie and other sport fish.
My first show for this year will be the Port Washington Fish Days - Mark your calendar! It's happening on July 18!
So long for now,


Andrea