HUNTING & FISHING TROPHY PORTRAITS by A.J. Wood News

About The Artist

Tue, 11 May 2010 01:36:39 CDT

A.J. Wood is an award winning artist, photographer and designer. His works are exhibited worldwide. As a child he received art training in his mother's studio. In college he received formal training in the graphic arts field, and has enjoyed a 20 year career as an graphic artist and art director. His works are on display in venues around the world.

A.J. views his creative talent as a means of exploration. He loves researching the subject of his art as well as the various materials and methods for creating visual imagery. He is often sought out for his adaptable style and willingness to try any subject matter. His inherent love for the outdoors and people who hunt and fish inspired him to start creating wildlife trophy portraits.

"I love to paint things that people are passionate about, and my passion is hunting and fishing!"

A.J. is currently working on a series of wildlife paintings that he will be offering for sale to fans of his art.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, he loves "good food, good folks, good places and good stories. "

How to Order • Pricing • About Me

Portrait Prices

Tue, 11 May 2010 01:18:51 CDT

Portrait Pricing

22x28 = $650*
24x30 = $750*
24x36 = $750*
30x40 = $950*
36x48 = $1500*

All of my trophy portraits are 100% satisfaction guaranteed. They are shipped stretched and ready to frame. We also have a full frame shop in the studio and will frequently run free framing specials, so be sure to ask about framing.

* Crating shipping and framing costs extra - Please inquire.

How to Order Your Portrait

Tue, 11 May 2010 01:00:52 CDT

It's easy to get started!

Ordering a trophy portrait is simple. Just email me or call my cell (417-385-7481) to get started. It's that simple. Each portrait is custom so I will approach it that way - one to one with you.

How long will it take

Generally 4-6 weeks. This varies depending on my workload and quality of the supplied reference. I will consult you on this once you contact me. I will accept rush orders and will work late nights and weekends if you need, but I do charge extra for that.

Since I can't easily follow you into the field I rely on your photos to get the details of your portrait correct. I have listed some tips below to help you get what I may need.

Before the trip

I have a hard time painting what I can't see. I need photo reference to work from. Getting a good photo is often difficult. We often find our deer after dark, catch our giant catfish in the mud, and need to pack light when chasing bighorns. It is best to start with a decent camera. Camera phone photos suck. I'd rather you took a disposable film camera. A good compact digicam and some common sense are your best friend.

Camera Tips

Take a quality digicam with ample card
Take a back up disposable film camera or two
Use the highest quality jpeg setting
Remember xtra batteries
Take your time (It's not an inconvenience for your guide or group)
Prepare beforehand for catch and release situations
Use flash
Get plenty of pics
Ask others to take pics with their cameras

Helpful offsite links

I didn't get a good photo!

Don't panic. I paint portraits when the photo is either terrible, or it was just impossible to get the shot. This includes portraits from historical accounts where there is no photo available. I know my wildlife. I operated a full service taxidermy studio for 15 years. If it flys, swims or crawls, i can paint it. Just give me a description of the animal and I'll recreate it.

For the person in the portrait. If you are in the field and can't get the shot at the time of the capture, try to pose it up the following morning. This is even a good idea if you did get the shot, but the lighting was poor. If it was a catch and release or the trophy is already processed, pose yourself without the animal. Try to do it in a similar position. You can even pose with another persons catch or a smaller fish and I will paint in the real trophy in perfect size and scale.

If you have had the trophy mounted, you can take photos of the mount for reference. Take it outside and pose with it in partial shade for the best shots.

What about Grandpa's fish from 1932?

These are some of the most exciting portraits I work on. Send me as many photos of "Grandpa" from that era. Give me a description of the event and/or photos of the trophy and I'll create a painting from the supplied reference.

How do I submit photos?

I prefer digital photos in their largest size. You can send files up to 10 mb directly to me via email at huntfish@me.com

If email proves to be difficult due to connection spend or account restrictions, please log on to http://public.me.com/awanga this is an online dropbox where you can upload your file without using your email. Click on the up arrow button at the top center of the page to upload your file. This works very well. If you have trouble, please call me directly at 417-385-7481 and I will walk you through it.

For film photos and heirloom photos PLEASE visit a local photo service or office store to scan these photos for you.

Scanning specs

300 ppi @ 100% size
Save as JPEG quality 10 or higher
Save on a CD (You can email images to me from the CD - some photo stores will email for you.)

Some things I might need to produce the best artwork.

Good facial reference - as many angles as possible
Persons Eye Color - (Cameras don't always get this very good)
Size and Weight of trophy
Place and time of year of the event

How to Order

Pricing

About Me

Welcome Hunters and Fishermen

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:48:45 CDT

You have arrived at one of the most exciting sites for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you will find how to have your most treasured memories painted by a master artist on a beautiful canvas. These trophy portraits are professional works created to last for generations, so the story of your greatest hunt or fishing excursion can passed on to your children and grandchildren in style.

This is also the place to find the perfect gift for hunters or gifts for fishermen that they will never forget. Our wildlife art prints will soon be posted online for sale. You will find deer hunting gifts, fishing prints, and other unique items. We are also working on a large amount of safari art, saltwater sportfishing art and fly fishing art. Keep checking often and sign up for our newsletter so we can keep you updated on new sporting art and products.