One In the Hand

A beautiful, young brook trout is cradled in the hand of an appreciative angler in this original acrylic painting.

When it comes to native Wisconsin brook trout, it isn't necessarily the size of the fish that makes this fish such a treasure. Rather, it is the dazzling display of colors these small-stream gems possess, which captures the soul and delights the eye.

This subject of this painting resides in a small, northern Wisconsin stream that I fish every year. It's a tough hike through forests and alder swamps to reach the stream, but its beautiful fish and natural beauty draw me back year after year.

Stewardship of our coldwater resources and our native brook trout was foremost on my mind as I painted this picture. The conservation-minded angler may note how the fish is being cradled in a wet hand, barely out of the water, as it is being gently released to swim again in the precious, clean water we hold so dear.