Over the past three decades, Judy’s pastel visions of the natural world have attracted international attention, from Ambassadors to major corporations such as Patagonia. Self -taught, she has been painting and drawing since she was a young child. As a photographer, Haas travels with her camera, documenting indigenious cultures and landscapes. She has also designed and built homes in the Aspen area. Winning awards for historical preservation, with a commitment to rural and remote preservation, she enjoys the design process. She contributes her time and talent in mentorship programs and non-profit donations within the community.
Fd: How did you start painting and how did fly fishing get involved?
Judy: I grew up in the town of Aspen, Colorado. When I was young there were no paved streets and only old Victorian houses still intact from the mining days. My father would take the family to the high mountain lakes, where we would camp and fish. So my first solo show at The Hayles Gallery in Aspen, included two paintings of trout for my mother and father. The ambassador to Denmark asked to make one for his offices in Denmark and be included in the Art in the Embassies program. This was the beginning of my career in making the trout pastels which have evolved and transformed to where they are today.
Fd: What about your artistic techniques?
Judy: My work is done in pastels, many of which I make. The vibrancy of almost pure pigment allows me to create the beautiful colors that make up my body of work.
Fd: You're also an architect and a photographer. Is your love for nature conveyed in these subjects too?
Judy: In the past, I have designed and build four homes in the rural and remote areas of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. They, too, were canvases to create a beautiful space in which to live and work. I am continually nourished by nature. And photography gives me another alternative to be creative, when I am traveling and documenting my experiences.
Fd: Any time for fly fishing?
Judy: I like to be on the water and experience the thrill of catching a trout. In grateful appreciation for the privilege to be in the clean waters of the rivers, I feel the happiness in releasing the trout back to the environ from which it came.
Fd: Do you have any words for the starting artists?
Judy: Do what you love and love what you do.
Fd: Where can we find more about your artwork?
Judy: My website is: www.troutart.com
