Art and Photography

As a passionate trout fisherman and artist, my work aims to portray the wild beauty, drama and enjoyment of flyfishing for trout. My paintings convey the energy of the living trout - fish are usually portrayed swimming and feeding within their natural environment. The same is generally true of my drawings although these often take the form of detailed studies that capture a specific feature or aspect of the trouts behaviour.



My interest in photography has developed over the last five years. The focus is primarily on landscapes and flyfishing scenes.

Brief biography.

I first studied art and design in the UK at the Winchester School of Art. I was exposed to a flood of creative thinking and explored many forms of visual creative expression. While drawing and painting were very important to me I opted to follow a more commercial pathway and became increasingly interested in graphic design. This led to further academic/design study and a career that included commercial graphic design, illustration, web design, marketing management and an academic (lecturer and programme leader on a University degree programme).
My interest in painting has always been present, especially wildlife subjects, where artists such as Robert Bateman and the New Zealand born Ray Harris-Ching produced inspirational work. My own work is very much about conveying the energy of living things and capturing the varied moods encountered in wilderness areas.
I now divide my time between painting, developing material for Wilderness Trout, NZ Landcare Trust and my graphic design studio - James Barnett & Associates. If you would like to contact me about my painting or photography simply drop me an email .

Painting.

Paintings aim to capture the power and beauty of these wild fish by portraying them in their natural habitat.
view examples>

Drawing.

Detailed studies that bring the subject to life.
view examples>

Photography.

Work focuses on wild landscapes, nature and flyfishing for trout.
view examples>

Commission a Trophy Trout Painting.

You have caught the fish of a lifetime and want to mark the occasion. Why not commission an original painting? The painting will be based on the measurements and photographs you take of your own trophy trout at the time of capture... -more>