Diane has been a professional watercolour artist for over 22 years, and the Trout Unlimited Canada 2009 Artist of the Year, Diane was born in Montreal and currently resides in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She has exhibited her work in numerous shows in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Diane's work is on display at the Cascapedia River Museum (Gaspe) and selected galleries in B.C. Alberta and U.S.A. Her watercolour was selected by Soho-Myriad (Atlanta) for the Grand Hyatt, Aspen Colorado and is also regularly featured in Fly Fusion magazine. Commissions include work for Selene Dumaine (Maine guide and writer for Fly Tyer magazine) and Watermaster Boats (Montana). Diane's fly fishing fine art is appreciated in private collections throughout Canada, the United States and in Europe. Being admirors of her art, it is our pleasure to share Diane’s thoughts and experiences with you.
FD: When did you start fishing? Where?
DM: I started fly fishing when I met my husband 11 years ago. We did a road trip to the west coast of Canada where I was introduced to salmon and steelhead.
FD: Could you tell us about your memories from those times?
DM: I couldn’t understand that what appeared so simple (getting the fly on the water) was in fact so difficult. The fly kept wanting to land on me instead. Even getting the fly on the line securely was problematic. So much of what we take for granted (wading without drowning) is overwhelming to a novice if they are thrown into the situation.
FD: How where those first experiences?
DM: I became absorbed by the natural beauty of rivers and mountains. The bears and eagles supported by the migrating fish were part of our daily environment. It was much more than just about the fishing although dusk to dawn the conversation revolved around how to get the fish on the line. Naturally, not understanding the intricate terminology, I got lost in the conversation. Fly fishing at the beginning was all about technique.
FD: What is fly fishing for you?
DM: I discovered that fly fishing is much less about the fish and a great deal more about the people and the environment. The stories told around the campfire are similar in many parts of the world.
FD: How do you feel when you fly fish? What do you feel?
DM: This is an escape for me away from the studio where I work. But at the same time it provides purpose to my painting. I am actively searching for images that I can represent and to that end take countless photographs. So much is still new as fly fishing presents a long learning curve from tying to reading the water to presentation etc.
FD: When did you start painting about fly fishing?
DM: Prior to my first fly fishing experience, I had been an artist that offered a broad range of subject matter from still life to scenery to portraits. This became a huge advantage when I decided to focus on fly fishing. I was able to tell the whole story from the characters that we met to the paraphernalia and the magical setting.
FD: What do you feel when you combine both passions?
DM: A painter is generally defined by subject matter and technique. In order to be successful one needs to have an intimate personal connection with the subject matter.
FD: Do you start painting from a photo or looking directly at the scene?
DM: I am a studio painter meaning that I paint from images captured by my camera enhanced by the memories of that particular moment. I usually combine ideas, and work at maximizing composition, light etc. Much of my work is commission based using reference materials of my client.
FD: We know that you like fishing for steelheads; can you tell us something about that?
DM: I think that in our part of the world there are historically 2 species at the top of most anglers’ list – that being Atlantic salmon on the east coast and steelhead on the west coast. Although they have a different story both will come to the fly and reward the patient angler. They are also an integral part of the river and for me the river is the place to be as opposed to our lakes or ocean beaches. I am drawn by the light, sound and flowing movement through the mist.
FD: Which spots and species are in your bucket list?
DM: I am surrounded by so much that appears on the “bucket list” of others.
FD: What would you say to a woman that starts fly fishing?
DM: I would say the same thing to a man or woman or child. “Go fishin’! Keep your eyes open and enjoy the moment”.
FD: Anything you’d like to add?
DM: Being part of the “industry of fly fishing” I have had the opportunity to meet some world class tiers, casters, guides, rod makers and story tellers. This has afforded me an inside glimpse of the sport.
FD: Your final balance?
DM: Final thoughts always lead to environmental issues and the monumental efforts that are required to save the planet from ourselves.
FD: Thanks Diane!
