Drawing Flies 52 – 47_Blue Butt Caddis
Drawing Flies 52 Blue Butt Caddis. A tribute to Tom Helgeson. As many FF&W readers likely know, Tom died recently after a battle with cancer. He was a driving influence in the fly-fishing scene in the entire Great Lakes region (and in much more than that). Tom was a family friend, and I presented and demoed at a number of his shows over the years. I hope that this drawing will hold some meaning for those who worked and fished with Tom over the years.
Notes: Wanted something that had a sense of longevity and endurance to it. Figured Jeff would treat the fly with great care and precision with his approach (I was right), so I felt that the truly artful version was already taken care of. So, for my fly, I went for the feel of a cave painting, done with brushed and blown pigment.
Why a cave painting? Well, to my mind, such paintings have survived for thousands of years, and they seem an appropriate analogue to Tom’s long-lasting legacy. The brilliant blue of the fly had to be there, too, of course, and it’s brightness has more than one meaning. Visually, though, I wanted the spots to be like gems embedded in a cave wall, around which an ancient artist had constructed his work.
Tech info: Ink and Prismacolor marker on Strathmore watercolor paper. Scanned and manipulated in Photoshop.
Jeff’s Blue Butt Caddis is here. Another lovely rendering in all-digital format. A really nice tribute to your friend, Jeff. And yes, I think that Tom would have very much liked it.
Touching tribute! Nice work. – Gary
Thanks, Gary. Tom was a good guy, a friend, and I hope that his many projects will live on.
Hi, my fly fishing guide was impressed with the art work. Is there a place that I can send him to purchase them for his shop? Thanks.
Cary—The art I currently offer is as originals only (that may change, but it’s that way for the moment). So, if a piece is not indicated to be available, it’s either sold or just not for sale. I have another commission to take care of in February, but then am going to try to get a few smaller pieces done for general availability. I’d check back more toward the end of the month or early March. There are also pieces from the DF&F 52 project that may come available this year (availability depends on the way that I make the image—all-digital, digital/hand hybrid or fully by hand).
Thanks for the interest. Perhaps something will come up this year that your guide will like.
JB. Thanks for the info I will pass it on. I also check the catalog but did not see a Royal Coachman, is it on the list?
Cary—SInce a Royal Coachman wasn’t included in the DF 52 for 2010, it may make an appearance for 2012. We probably should cover a few more of the “classic” patterns this year.