Walter Foster: An Eye for the Details

Growing up in Northeastern USA and fly fishing for local brook trout, Walter Foster quickly became obsessed with the beauty and exquisiteness of the local wilderness reserves, valleys, rivers and fish. And as he turned his attention to his sketch pads and pencils, and ventured to visually study- and graphically capture fish, he realized that he had an eye for all the intrinsically minute nuances so omnipresent in trout. Walter has now turned his passion for trout and art into a lifestyle and a profession, and it has further helped him become a more accomplished fly fisherman. In the following, you’ll get to know why.

Home Country: USA

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/FineFinArt/ www.trouttales.com

SoMe: www.instagram.com/finefinart/

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got into painting?

Growing up in Vermont, in Northeastern USA, I spent summers fishing the small streams around my house and I was fascinated by the spots and coloration of the small brook trout I used to catch. My first fish art started with a mechanical pencil, sketch pad, and an issue of Outdoor Life magazine. I realized that I had an eye for detail as I tried to mimic every spot and pattern of the trout; I always enjoyed going back to my art table after a day of fishing with hopes of recreating the image of those spectacular fish.

Have you developed a specific painting technique along the way?

I like to use different mediums to achieve varied effects. Colored pencil allows me to capture fine details and watercolor allows me to build multiple layers of color of a trout skin and blending watery backgrounds. Oil pencils, watercolor pencils, acrylic paints each provide flexibility to different areas. With no formal art I study the trout I or my clients catch on the river.

What has compelled you to paint fish and fly fishing motives?

I see trout as living pieces of art with so much variation in color, shape and size - it’s an endless palette.

How did you get started fly fishing and why?

My neighbor had an old bamboo fly rod in his barn that he gave me as a gift for mowing his yard on the weekends in the summer. I caught a brook trout on that rod in the stream behind my house when I was 13 years old – I’ve been hooked ever since.

While in High School, I began working at the Orvis Headquarters in Manchester Vermont and spent 8 years with Orvis as a fly-casting instructor, guide and retail associate. I studied aquatic biology and earned my B.S in Environmental Science.

After dabbling in the corporate world, I found my way back to fly-fishing and guiding when I took my passion out West and guided in Lake Tahoe area of CA and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. In 2005, I moved to Park City Utah with my wife Andrea and we began our fly- fishing outfitter, Park City Trout Tales in 2012.

What is it about fly fishing that intrigues you?

I love being aware of my surroundings and ecosystem - I appreciate the cycle of fly-fishing from the imitation of bugs, to the specifics of the drift, to the excitement of bringing the fish to the net. I love the challenge!

How do you split your time between fly fishing and painting? As the owner and operator of Park City Trout Tales, a fly-fishing outfitter, the peak months for guide season is from May to October. During the winter months my art studio gets the most use.

In your opinion, do fly fishing and painting complement each other – and if so how?

Absolutely. The art of fishing is a science and the science of fishing is a changing display of unique art.

Has fly fishing helped you become a better painter – or vice versa?

Fly fishing directly affects my art – I study each spot more, the different hues and highlights of the fish, the size and every detail I take back to the studio.

What are your aspirations as a fly fisher?

I feel extremely fortunate and proud to have turned my passion into my profession. The art of fly-fishing is a Kaleidoscope of opportunity and offers a unique outcome every time. It’s always changing and evolving – I want to stay humble and continue to learn and adapt with those species while promoting sustainability in the resources the fish exist in. Even after 30 years of fly-fishing rivers, streams, lakes and oceans – I want to continue to learn and improve techniques

Do you have any cool projects coming up; fishing- or art wise?

An upcoming fly fishing excursion includes a trip to Pyramid Lake in western Nevada. Once thought extinct, the Pilot Peak strain Lahontan Cutthroat now thrive in the lake. It’s like a Jurassic Park type scenario for the fly-fishing world. It’s one of the few places in the world where you have a good shot at a trout over 10lbs and the possibility of a trout in the 20lb range. Who wouldn’t like chasing ancient monster cutthroat with a flyrod? In the summer of 2021, the Park City Community will host its outdoor art, food and music festival Park City Silly Market- Fine Fin Art will be on display. Recently, a variety of art pieces were used on the set for the acclaimed show TV Yellowstone season 3 starring Kevin Costner.

Any advice to fellow fly fishermen, who aspire to do fish art?

You are your own best teacher. Practice patience, study your subjects and learn from each experience whether it’s on the river or in your studio. Use life experiences and social resources to improve either craft.