Ad Maddox is well known for her striking artwork that centres around fish and fishing. We are fans and wanted to learn a little more about AD.
AD, can you tell us a little about yourself?
Pete … this is a big question. I've included my bio below:
AD Maddox was born in Nashville, Tennessee. She was raised in an artistic environment and has been painting for as long as she can remember. After traveling extensively in her 20s she settled in Jackson Hole, Wyoming where she began her professional career painting Trout. “Trout are chameleon-like, constantly changing colour in and out of water – They represent an intriguing color palette and incorporating the water is an artistic challenge.” Maddox, self-taught, paints in oil on Belgian linen and develops each piece with her signature layering technique. Fascinated by bright colours, Maddox is constantly challenged by each piece. “Each painting has a crux where I have to tweak, harmonize and fine tune the colours for the image to pop. This is the never-ending bull-bait as an artist!” Her style is always changing as portrayed in her works through the years. Maddox currently resides in Nashville where she balances her studio time with fly fishing trips and of course … Motorcycling!
Was being an artist something you always wanted to do?
Absolutely! From a very young age I was painting. I suppose my career is a compilation of successful actions as I continued to apply what was working. In my 20s the road was not clear and it took some doing.
How do you go about deciding on a composition?
This is an innate talent as I can size-up what I’d like to create rather easily. Composition to me is balance. The weighted elements within my pieces must do just that … Balance. Not only with shapes but they must balance with colour, rhythm and value.
How would you describe your work?
Having never studied art this is a good one. I’d say it’s contemporary photo realism however there’s some abstract in the water. It’s a mix!
What is the layering technique you use?
This is my own tech I developed over the years of painting and will go to the grave. I have secrets in my repertoire.
Is it just fish you are interested in painting?
Yes. I can paint anything but TROUT in particular are the successful action. Painting is a passion for me yet I also have to make a living. The trout sell and fly fishermen are my audience.
Is there a fish you really love to paint?
Yes … all four grand slam trout. The cutthroat, brook, rainbow and brown are my favorites.
Do you think social media and the internet makes it easier to reach your target audience than say 20 years ago?
Absolutely, however this is still being reviewed. There’s a large part of my audience that’s off the social media platforms as the advent was a bit late.
Are you a fly angler and if so where is the place you most like to cast a fly?
Yes however I paint much more than I fish unfortunately. My favorite place is the South Island of NZ and in the US it’s Yellowstone and southern Montana. I love the West!
Any regrets or things you would do differently?
Not one. Life is an adventure and the road can only be traveled by digging in.