I’m always looking around for cool fishing related activities and stuff. I love original artwork and I’ve seen fish, and fishing, expressed through a lot of mediums.
Recently I happened upon and artist who had some pretty impressive reproductions of Trout and other species created from the original photographs of these fish. Catch and Release Paintings is the creation of Paul Puckett who is an angler living in Texas but has a true talent and gift which he combines with his love for the sport.
Artwork: Paul Puckett
With my father’s 72nd birthday approaching, I thought it would be an original gift so I contacted Paul and asked him about the possibility of working from a photograph of a beautiful Northern Pike my father had caught two years prior in Ontario, Canada.
Paul responded to my email immediately and said he’d be happy to discuss my request. He explained that he’d never created a Pike before and was looking forward to the challenge. He explained his rates and the dimensions of the final painting. I sent him some additional details about the lure used, date and location and Paul said it would take about a month and a half to create. The timing worked out perfect for me since I would be visiting my father at that time and could have it shipped directly to my father’s home.
I anxiously awaited the piece and a couple of days before its arrival, Paul sent me a picture (the one you see above) to give me an idea of what the final result was. I must say that this pictures certainly does not do justice to the artwork when seen in person.
The package arrived via USPS and I anxiously awaited my father’s reaction to seeing the work… not to mention how much I wanted to see what I’d invested in. As we unrolled the 14 x 20 canvas we couldn’t help sporting an “ahh” kind of grin that comes with uncovering a prized treasure.
…come to think of it, it’s the exact same smile he had when he caught this fish the first time. Happy Birthday Dad!
Sport Fishing Americas 