About Me

I'M IAN RUTTER

I have been a professional fly fishing guide in the Smoky Mountains since 1995. Creativity has been manifest in every facet of my life including fly tying, writing, photography, drawing and painting. My life as a guide allows me to share beauty and help others gain insight to the natural world. Fly fishing is more than a hobby for me and much more than a job; it is a way of life.

Watercolor is my favorite medium because it's so similar to fly fishing. It's a tricky medium that refuses to submit to an artist's will, and in that regard it's just like a trout that doesn't want to be caught. An angler needs to understand a fish's behavior and persuade it to take the fly, to make the fish think it was its idea all along. Anyone who has taken a fly rod to the water will understand all too often the rod doesn't cast as you want and the fish won't do as you wish. Through understanding of the subject and medium I persuade paint, charcoal or pencil to represent my vision.

My art business has been designated as a "Trusted Art Seller" with The Art Storefronts Organization, which means you can shop with confidence, and know that I stand behind the quality and value of my products.

Inspiration

I have fascination with moving water, trout and wild animals. As a fly fisher I have made a study of observing trout and how they move. One of the best parts of fly fishing is seeing animals in their natural environment. Seeing animals like deer, elk and bears is one of the best parts about being on the water.

Techniques

Watercolor is my favorite medium, but I also work in charcoal and graphite. Wild trout and their surroundings are my favorite subjects. Deer, bears, elk and other animals seen along the river are frequent subjects for me. Trout flies are a natural subject for me as an accomplished fly tyer.

Career Highlights

I have travelled extensively to fly fish and have found inspiration not only at home in the Smokies but also in the Rocky Mountains, the Florida Keys and Everglades, Maine and the coral flats off the coast of Belize. I have also authored six books on fly fishing.

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by artstorefronts

Trusted Art Seller

The presence of this badge signifies that this business has officially registered with the Art Storefronts Organization and has an established track record of selling art.

It also means that buyers can trust that they are buying from a legitimate business. Art sellers that conduct fraudulent activity or that receive numerous complaints from buyers will have this badge revoked. If you would like to file a complaint about this seller, please do so here.