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...