Artist Paul Wentzell creates original life sized bas relief wood carvings of trophy trout and salmon. His work is inspired by the work of the early 20th century artists J. Waldo Nash and Herbie Welch of Rangeley, Maine. In the early part of the 20th century it was a common tradition in the Rangeley Lakes Region to trace the profile of a trophy fish onto birch bark or a wood plank. Often the tracings would have additional details hand painted as well as documenting the date caught, location and guide. Using modern techniques Paul is able to capture the details of each individual trout and still maintain an antique charm. An Alternative to Taxidermy With the growing popularity of catch and release, an original “Fish Skin” of the fish you released is the perfect way to preserve and share the memory. A photograph of the fish along with length and width is all that is needed. With larger trout and salmon, a life size “head shot” may be the best way to portray your trophy. Every effort will be made to ensure the accuracy of shape and color resulting in an individual portrait that captures the "character" of the fish. All “Fish Skins” are created with quality basswood and acrylic paints. Species, location, date, fly, and angler information can be hand painted on the backing board, if desired. Please contact Paul if you’re interested in ordering a portrait of your trophy catch.
11 lb Brook Trout
19.5 inch Brown Trout
17 inch Kamloops Strain Rainbow Trout
4.5 lb Landlocked Salmon
5.25 lb Landlocked Salmon
6 inch Rangeley Brook Trout
14 & 16 inch Kennebago Strain Brook Trout
Fish Skins ©2007 |
