Alchemy: the ancient belief that gold can be transmuted from the baser elements. Apparently it’s been done too, on a very small scale, but requiring unjustifiable amounts of money/energy, and that doesn’t even count the cost of the nuclear reactor.By accident I found a much simpler way of observing the process, even though the whole…
Category: art
2020 Trout Season
Well the state decided to launch the season unexpectedly last week. Assuming it was to curtail the crowds due to this pandemic we are dealing with right now. Good move in my opinion. I’ve yet to be out. I’d like to, but it would have to be someplace way out there amongst the trees and…
New Design/Illustration Work!
I worked up a couple new designs and they are available in my Threadless shop. Hoping to get some more designs up very soon. A little bit of everything there, so consider supporting a small business and take a look. Visit my shop by clicking here. I also worked on a new watercolor brook trout…
The Old Couple by Jim Hoey
I’m going to try a new concept for the site and occasionally have some guest bloggers submit some work. Kicking it off is a good friend – Jim Hoey. So here’s a great piece by the former Pennsylvania native – and proprietor of the Hoey Fly Shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He penned this little piece…
Angler Spotlight: Oliver Edwards
I’ve been a big fan of Oliver Edwards. I remember stumbling onto one of his YouTube videos a few years ago and was instantly hooked. He had a unique way of demonstrating patterns and techniques – with wit and history sprinkled in. The history part is what I really enjoy. And seeing materials that I’m…
Crazy Coronavirus Catastrophe Causing Chaos
So as we all are aware – we are in the midst of something so horrible right now. A pandemic that is world-wide. A pandemic that is tearing families apart. A pandemic that is killing people. It is like living a movie. And I think it is scary as hell. I’m on day 8 of…
The Founding Flies Project
A while ago I started reading through my copy of how to tie the founding flies. So I’m back at that, and decided to start at the beginning of the book and tie each fly showcased. The goal is tie at least one that looks half decent that I can eventually put in a shadowbox…
Experimenting with Glitter Thread
I picked up some glitter thread at the local Field & Stream store to see how it might work. Turns out, it looks kinda cool and creates some neat bodies. I bought it in their olive color and tied up a few bugs as a test run. The results are below. What do you think?…
New Designs in the Shop
Yea, that’s right. New designs are up on my Threadless shop. Go check ’em out and support an artist, and a fisherman! The link is: https://drifter7design.threadless.com/ Thanks! ~Drifter07
Steel City Enforcers Collection
So I decided to help out one of my favorite local beer joints. Danny’s Bar and Grill has been on my list of favorite watering holes since it was Cammarata’s. And it is right up the street from my place. Well, they sponsor a law enforcement softball team and have an annual event to raise…
Fall is in the Air
I am really excited for fall fishing this year. For the first time in 3 years, I’ll be able to hit the water on the weekends. Especially since I’ve resigned as an LL Bean Fly Casting instructor. It just wasn’t in the cards to continue to fill up my Saturdays during this fantastic time of…
Water in the Works
So I started fine tuning the bones for a commissioned watercolor painting I have in the works. It is scheduled to be delivered at the end of May so I’ve got to dedicate some time to it. I have a reference photo that was provided by the client, however I need to make some adjustments….
Got the Box
Last week I received my first subscription box from Geppert Brothers Fly Fishing Foundation. Featured in this box were two of my sticker designs and even a nice little card highlighting who I am. Very cool of them to include this and maybe it will drum up some business for me in the future. Below…
Squatcha Lookin’ At?
I started a new sticker design of a Sasquatch holding a big brown trout. I think it might look good as a sticker or even a t-shirt. I normally would ink first, scan or snap a pic, and then work on digitally to fine tune it. But I’m trying to just go with digital and…
PA Fly Fishing Pride
Now you too can sport some Pennsylvania pride by wearing some Drifter swag. I recently added a new design to my Threadless.com storefront. If you get a chance, take a look and support an artist by purchasing something you can be proud wearing around the campfire. Lots of options and price points available. Enjoy! ~Drifter07
Geppert Brothers Fly Fishing Foundation
Just got approvals on some sticker designs for the fine folks over at Geppert Brothers Fly Fishing Foundation. Four versions will accompany subscription boxes in the upcoming months. Be sure to check out their website to learn about this worthy cause. I’m hoping I can continue to add some swag to the subscription boxes. And…
Live Rough
Established in 2002, Live Rough Clothing was formed by three U.S. “Wilderness Management Enthusiasts”: Nick, Matt and Chad. Five years later in 2007, Chad was diagnosed with cancer. Even being seriously ill did not stop his spirit from their living rough motto, and he was able to mentally and spiritually beat his cancer numerous times…
Brook Trout
I started this painting a while ago and have yet to return to it. Frustration set in after I removed the masking fluid and the lateral line looked off to me. I may just start over and try a version that is much looser. I have this concept in mind to do something in the…
Wyeth You Ask?
Ha. Get it? Well thought I’d share what I’m perusing at the moment. Wyeth at Kuerners. Kinda fitting cover visual for today’s forecast. Andrew Wyeth – an artistic legend in my book. I’m fascinated by his brushwork and craftsmanship. If you get a chance definitely take a look at his work. I know I’m enjoying…
Watercolor Wednesday
Something I want to do is to post at least one piece of art every week. Could be anything really. Maybe something that inspires me. Or something I plan to paint. Pretty open-ended I know, but that’s the beauty of ownership. Here is something I did (probably on a Wednesday) that really made me feel…
From the Bench
So I’ve been pretty amped since some of the Drifters decided to book another weekend trip in the woods. That means even more motivation to put some more time in on the fly tying bench. And since it’s winter, and I’m currently looking for freelance work, it’s easy to do. As I sort flies and…
Brushes with Brookies & Beer 