AD Maddox: Brushwork, Banter and Brown Trout

We’ve had an eye out for AD Maddox for a long time. Her paintings are so vivid and endowed with a unique realism that’s all her own. Her trout paintings are especially captivating – especially considering the story behind why she initially got into painting them. Regardless, if trout are your thing, you need to check out her gallery on Instagram and read the following interview.

Full Name: AD Maddox Born: Nashville Occupation: Artist/oil painter Home Country: USA Social Media: www.instagram.com/admaddox999/ Website: https://www.admaddox.com

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

I grew up in the country outside Nashville. My parents were into the arts and promoted creating your own fun so from the age of 6 I began painting. It came so natural for me and I continued with art classes up through art school. After college, I realized I wasn’t interested in my line of work, so I decided to take a chance on painting. It was the only thing I truly knew I was gifted in. I’m covering a lot of years here quickly but I’ve been at the easel for over 30 years.

Have you developed a specific painting technique along the way?

Absolutely! However, my technique has changed quite a bit. It started out very graphic and in acrylic paints. When I shifted to oil this helped me loosen up with my brushwork and play a bit as the paint has plenty of drying time. At this point I’ve got my technique very dialed in but I continue to learn with each piece.

What do you aspire to capture with your paintings?

Photo realism is what I aim for. It’s very difficult to accurately nail all the values to make it work. It takes a high level of concentration.

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

I was living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the early 90s. I knew if I wanted to sell my work then I needed to paint what communicated to my audience there. The trout were a simple suggestion from the gallery owner. My first trout piece sold in 20 minutes so I continued to paint what worked. This sparked me learning how to fly fish and take photographs of these beautiful fish. The balance as an artist is amazing. I spend 9 months out of the year painting and the other 3 fishing and photographing.

How did you get started fly fishing and why?

Research and Discovery! My father taught me how to fly fish on the Yellowstone River.

I needed to get photographs for my paintings. One of the great aspects of this sport is that you can do it at any age and at any level.

Very few women in Europe fly fish. Do you have any advice for women who are curious about getting started fly fishing?

I would suggest always going with a guide. They are the professionals and love to show you just what to do. They’ll also make sure you catch a trout. I still fish with guides 90% of the time.

What is it about fly fishing that intrigues you?

What intrigues me about fly fishing is the adventure, being out in nature and catching these fish. I’ve lost many but I love bringing them in and seeing all their colors. There’s also the fun of choosing the flies and not to mention getting all my shots. It’s a busy task.

How do you split your time between fly fishing and painting?

It’s easy to split it up living in cold Montana. After my opening show at the end of June I’m banned from the easel and I force myself to go play every day taking photographs for paintings. You might see a bit of it on my Instagram stories. I fish for 3 months then paint for 9. It works!

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

Technically they are both art forms. In my case they sure do complement each other. Fishing gives me time to breathe and take a break from being inside on the easel.

It also inspires my paintings.

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

Yes. It’s important for me to study my subject. With each catch I get to observe all the color details of the different trout I pull in. It’s a vicious cycle. The paintings drive me to fish and the fish drive me to paint.

What are your aspirations as a fly fisher?

My aspirations as a fly fisher is to improve my cast. I think it will continue to get better each year.

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

Yes, it’s play time and I have tons of pressure on me to get the right shots for new paintings in the fall. I’ll be fishing with Lee Kinsey of Secluded Water. As a team, we’ll be dialing in this process - so wish me luck. I’ll also be unleashing the Ducati 999, the 4 wheelers and my summer heli-rides. High levels of play make me feel like a teenager so the daily mileage is key to my youth. I’ll post my GoPro footage on my Instagram story.

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

Yes. I think the most important thing to do if you want to create fish art is to finish as many pieces as you can.

The mileage will help you build your technique, and the art will inevitably improve. I don’t promote theory but I do promote work and lots of it. Hours in the seat make a seasoned pilot and so follows for the artist.

Please follow me on Instagram - www.instagram.com/ad.maddox/. I post the progress of my pieces and my adventures on my story. You can also message me there if you have any questions and if you need any help. I love inspiring artists.