JEFF KENNEDY - Gates Lodge "Artist in Residence" Journal #2

The "Artist in Residence" journals continue (if you missed Journal #1 circle back there first) with artist Jeff Kennedy from Gates Au Sable Lodge.  Take a few minutes and enjoy this look into his day creating and taking in a beautiful northern Michigan day.

Photo courtesy of Courtney Marie Martin.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019

This was my first full day at the lodge and I woke up at 4:30 a.m. to get things rolling.  I broke out the JetBoil and the AeroPress to get the first cup of coffee going.

The part I struggle with is getting into a routine, breaking away from my regular routine and focusing on my creative routine.  It is a constant journey.

I then did some quick warmup sketches to get my mind and working together. 

I keep my main set up in the board room at Gates Au Sable Lodge.  This place is full of inspiration with huge library of books on trout, flyfishing and fly tying.  A lot of the books are 1st Edition and are now out of print.  Winter fly tying occurs here with many hours of spinning fur and feather to fill the fly shop boxes for the next season.  This is also ground zero for Anglers of the Ausable.  I can just imagine the great conversations these walls have been privy to.

Tricos and 7X tippet are the go-to for daytime fishing now.  On warmer days, terrestrials with droppers also work. 

I had a lot of visitors swing by with great conversations, art, fly fishing and fly tying.  The best way to spend a sunny and 70 degree day.  I did get a chance to set up outside the fly shop for the afternoon.  The outside exposure is great for conversation but slow for art.  I did manage to work in the Bro-nana.  A combination of banana and brown trout.  It's a fun idea to explore but that banana will still not be in my boat!

Photo courtesy of Courtney Marie Martin.

The day ended with a fantastic meal at the Gates Au Sable Lodge Restaurant.  I contemplated heading out to do some mousing but I was really tired from the day's events.  There will be more opportunities in the coming days.

I fell asleep while reading "Fish and Other Stories as My Pen Remembers Them".  A journal by Jack Unruh and he is one of my all-time favorite illustrators.  I can spend hours reading and rereading this book.

 Jeff Kennedy unplugged his website but the Drawing Flies 365 blog is a great trip down memory lane.  You can follow along with his latest fishing exploits and studio news on Facebook and Instagram.

Gates Au Sable Lodge is on the banks of the Au Sable River outside of Grayling, Michigan and has a longstanding history as a mecca within fly fishing.  If you haven't been, plan to go, fish, eat and stay.  Following along on Facebook and Instagram is a good idea too.