Monday, April 29, 2013

Santa Rosa Island map

I just finished a painting of Santa Rosa Island located on the Florida panhandle. I've been to this area many times, fishing, vacationing and exploring. The white beaches are as white as sugar and the water is beautiful.


My father was stationed at Egin Air Force Base during WWII. When I young, we went on an adventure to Santa Rosa Island and the surrounding area. It was one of those childhood trips that I will always remember. Anyway, this decor map is of the east end of the island. I will post a map of the west end of the island at a later date with more about the adventure. See more of my decor maps at www.LeoLakes.com makes a great gift from 10x20 to over 4f tx 8ft.


Thursday, April 25, 2013

Spring Deer

Spring has definitely sprung! My wife looked out our bedroom window and spotted these deer. I was lucky to get a few photos of this mother deer and her two off-spring. Both fawns were bedded down and one was still asleep, while the other was being cleaned by its mother deer.

Looks like both fawns are now awake. I was able to take about a dozen photos without them discovering me because I was using my long range lens. Oh yeah, I was taking the pictures from inside the house. Our home is western cedar and I think the animals think it's a tree, I am able to take alot of good animal photos.
Look at how comfortable these two are, not a care in the world, however Mom's starting to move on. Nap time is over!
Must be time to roam. If you look closely, the fawn on the left is still a bit sleepy.
What's in your woods, river, lake or bay! Adventure Outdoors!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Yak and Yak Fishing

About two weeks ago Buttermilk, my fishing buddy and I went fishing on Marrowbone Lake. Marrowbone Lake is a small lake near Nashville that we fish a few times a year. This lake was stocked with rainbow at the end of last year. 
 
The past fishing reports suggested that we might catch a few trout or bass. In fact, a couple of days early a 1.5lb rainbow was caught along with a 4.5 lb bass. It was reported that trout were biting on "Pink Power Bait".  We loaded up our kayaks with plenty of power bait and off we went for an adventure
 

After about two hours of fishing, no bites, not even a mosquito. However, being on the water still made it a fine day. When the fish aren't biting, I normally try to catch a few animals, fish, waterfowl etc... with my Nikon. Unfortunately, I left it at home and had to rely on my cellphone camera, which has no zoom capability.

The animals, fish and waterfowl must have been on strike because only a very few were out. With this being the case, I took pictures of Buttermilk. Unsually, I will get a photo of Buttermilk falling out of his kayak, but not this time. Checkout that fine looking paddle!

A final picture of a nice day where the fish weren't biting, but that's OK.
"Get away from the big screen and get on a big stream!"

Monday, April 15, 2013

Fred the fisherman solves backlash problem!

Oh man, looks like Fred the fisherman has a BACKLASH problem. Fred has at brilliant solution, problem solved!

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Vintage style lake maps

I just finished a large print of beautiful Norfork Lake, which is located in Arkansas on the North Fork River.
I always add waterfowl flying over the map with shadows, this makes them appear 3-D. Also, on canvas printed maps, I repaint the waterfowl and others areas to make them pop out of the map.
Normally, I add a vintage plane flying over and if you look closely, you may see a mermaid or fish in the waters.

Here's the end result. This is the traditional style map and I also do a more creative style. It's difficult to show the detail and color on the internet. I try to have the golden colors come through like a crackling fire. Can you feel the warmth? See more at www.LeoLakes.com

Friday, April 5, 2013

When fish go bad!

When the boat starts filling with water, most fishermen think that they forgot to put the plug in before they left the dock. Well that may not be the real story when fish go bad!

I hope you enjoyed my little cartoon, but remember, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013