Fish Schtick podcast interview with Mike Savlen

The guys from Fish Schtick were kind enough to interview me the other day. Although doing interviews is not one of my favorite things, these guys made it very enjoyable and helped me give a little insight as to what my life is like as an artist. Click the picture if you would like to listen.

Mike Savlen joins us from New Hampshire today. Mike is an artist whose past professions have run from ditch digger to art director, victorian restoration painter to nightclub owner, sign carver to commercial fisherman and many more in between. Today he splits time between Costa Rica and Cape Cod. We’ll talk about Mike’s gamefish illustrations, marine paintings, his new bragging rights portraits, and lots of other stuff on today’s Fish Schtick.

Ft Lauderdale boat show, Hatteras Yacht 60' Convertible to feature art by Mike Savlen

When Hatteras yachts contacted me a couple weeks ago saying they would like a print to feature on their 60' convertible for the Ft. Lauderdale boat show I was psyched. Even though they had a deadline I assured them that I would have the artwork in their hands with plenty of time to spare. Well naturally since I made the promise my printer got the order wrong and told me they had to reprint it. This unfortunately was the day before I promised delivery so I had to put a rush on it and have it overnighted to me so I could approve, sign and varnish it. At the same time having to call the Yacht company back to tell them of the delay. I waited patiently, or sort of, for the new print arrival. When the print finally arrived I opened it expecting the usual high quality work I expect from my printer but was horrified to see that it looked more like a black and white photograph! Im kinda known for my colors so this to me was a disaster! So after much stomping around lots of swearing and carrying on I calmed down enough to realize the only way this would work and have it to them on time was to repaint the print itself. This I have to tell you can be a very stressful thing as I only had one shot, no time to have another one sent to me and if I screwed it up then I was in a word phukt. Long story short, I got to painting, pulled it off, got it signed varnished dried and off to the Carolinas with enough time to get it properly hung on the yacht for the boat show. Thankfully the people at Hatteras were very understanding and great to work with and if you happen to be at the Ft Lauderdale boat show this October 29-November 2, 2009 check out the art in the salon of the Hatteras Yacht 60' Convertible, hopefully there arent any beads of sweat stuck in the varnish.

"Yellowfins" original Mike Savlen to be auctioned at Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Fundraiser

"Yellowfins," original 30 x 40 on gallery wrap canvas by Mike savlen will be auctioned at the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation
Fundraiser at the IGFA fishing hall of fame museum on Oct 28, 2009 to support the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and celebrating Dr.Harvey’s induction to the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. Help support and honor a legend in fishing and marine conservation!more information and ticket purchases click here

Fishing Portrait, Tarpon Fly fishing painting

New Bragging Rights Fishing portrait. This painting was something of a challenge because when Bob had caught this beautiful Tarpon in Belize, he didn't get the chance to take a picture with the fly rod he caught it on or portray the beautiful waters he so fondly remembers. Working from the great reference photos he and his family provided I was able to incorporate his fly rod, the waters of Belize and a hat which his wife suggested would enhance the painting. I am rather pleased with the results and hope you like it as well. It was a lot of fun doing this painting. If you would like one for yourself, click here for more information.

Fly Fishing for Stripers on Cape Cod

Had the opportunity to join Brian Bennett from Moldy Chum for some Striper fishing on the cape last weekend. Although the fishing was slow, the company and scenery were great! If you havent taken the flyrod down to Barnstable flats yet then you should give it a try. Its a lot like trout fishing in streams for Stripers and the flats are endless as well as beautiful. Try not to get lost in the fog though, the tide comes in very very fast and will try to trap you a half mile from shore.

Glimpse of a Cutthroat, trout painting, Fly fishing art

Cutthroat trout portrait. On this piece I concentrated more on dramatic light, shadow and color. More of a fleeting glimpse of the trout as it swims by, but enough to know what it is. For more info about this new original painting Click here

Brook Trout, Flyfishing Painting original

In anticipation of the fall colors which are on the way I decided to do a portrait of the ferocious little Brook Trout. I love hiking up to fly fish remote trickles of water to pursue or be pursued by the colorful brookies that live in the mountains. It seems the higher you get the more colorful they are. This painting is 8 x 10" inches, acrylic on masonite. For more info or to purchase click here