I’d like to share my latest sketch of a rainbow trout. In this example I’m using colour pencils to explore the amazing colour combinations present around the eyes and gill cover… it really is incredible when you take a moment to look in detail.

The plan is to continue working on a few more sketches before developing a series of larger paintings. I’m hoping the new trout fishing season that kicks off 1 October will provide plenty of inspiration!

Talking of kicking off, there’s going to be a bit of rugby competing for my attention shortly. As an Englishman living in New Zealand you might imagine that the Rugby World Cup is going to test a few loyalties?  Swing looow, sweet charr riot… some loyalties can’t be broken.

James Barnett