I carve a lot of ducks. There’s no denying that, after all I’m a decoy maker. So when the chance comes to work on a different type of project, I’m all for it. Not that I don’t like carving decoys, because I do. However the challenge of something different sparks the imagination and gets the creative juices flowing. When a friend approached me late last year and asked if I would consider carving a CutThroat Trout for him, I quickly and heartily answered in the affirmative. This carving was not for him however, it was to be a gift for a business acquaintance who turned into a cherished friend. It took me several months before I had the break in my schedule to properly give my attention to the project. As I began to research, draw patterns and plan my carving I soon realized the regional differences in the Cutthroat subspecies. I requested more information, looking for the exact location said friend, fished and stayed. It was ascertained that the locale was strongly in West Slope Cutthroat territory, which suited me fine, as a breeding coloration West slope photos caught my attention during all my research. I undertook the carving with enthusiasm. Gouges, knives and burrs all worked the clear woodgrain with efficiency. The carving was done out of one piece of wood, fins and all. Only the wide set Pectoral fins were added from fine grained walnut. Before long it was time to paint.

I had already made the decision to paint the trout in its remarkable breeding colors. Deep greenish yellows were highlighted by vivid pinks and greys. The distinctive black spotting tied it all together. I went out on a limb and hoped for there best! The richness, depth and blending ability of fine oil paints made painting a joy. It progressed from base coats, to fine details over the course of a week. When it was finally finished a coat of artist gloss varnish tied everything together and made the details pop!

The final piece of the puzzle was a suitable base. I often walk the desolate Delaware bay shores near my Cabin, progging and beach coming. I found a piece of driftwood I thought would compliment the trout perfectly. One I held the trout to the wood, it instantly fell together! It was complete!

The rest was textbook. My friend picked up the trout. We talked at length.He was so excited to give it to his friend. The next day he did just that. It Was received with heartfelt appreciation and gratitude. A phone call and email from the new owner attested to that fact. It felt good.

It was so very satisfying to see the project from inception to completion. Art takes time, patience and an understanding of the subject at hand. I felt fortunate to be able to tie all of these together in the Westslope Cutthroat. As John Keats famously wrote

“A Thing of beauty is a joy forever : Its loveliness increases, it will never pass into nothingness.

So to I pray, goes this Trout!