43 A Life of Art, Painting, Drawing, Woodworking, Decoys, Knife Making, Fly Tying, and More Artwork

So, There I Am...

This is Travis Jay Vernon and Welcome! to the So There I Am... Podcast. I have been spending time in the outdoors since I could walk. I started out catching frogs and insects, and then hunting with everything from a BB gun and archery gear, to chasing big game with a rifle. I have been an avid fisherman everywhere I have lived and traveled. Cooking, foraging, fishing, and hunting have been a driving force for me. The only thing I am more passionate about than these things is sharing them with others and teaching those who want to learn. Along the way I have told, heard, and lived different stories.Stories told well allow a listener to live vicariously, reminisce of past experiences, or even dream of adventures to come. I will be sharing stories with you from my own experiences as a fly-fishing guide, retail manager, outdoor enthusiast, traveler, explorer and just everyday life. There will be stories from guests and stories from friends and others in different locales and varied walks of life. Every day is an opportunity for new adventures and expanding your own story. Let’s get to the stories!So, there I am…

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So, There I Am...

43 A Life of Art, Painting, Drawing, Woodworking, Decoys, Knife Making, Fly Tying, and More

April 01, 2025 • Travis Jay Vernon • Season 5 • Episode 43

Show Notes:

43 A Life of Art, Painting, Drawing, Woodworking, Decoys, Knife Making, Fly Tying, and More

Locations: Everywhere I have been and ongoing

1970’s to Present

From my youngest moments I have been an artist. My Grandpa Dean and Grandma Betty were both skilled oil painters. I began true art training with them. My love grew for charcoals and pencil art in high school, and I was blessed to be the visual art Sterling Scholar. This led me to courses in college I don’t think I would have taken otherwise but it changed how I view the world and spaces in it. I continued studying and practicing art on my own for many years before falling into decoy carving and learning to paint realistic color on a non-flat surface. The learning curve was harsh and now I have returned to flat art and color and oil painting because why not continue to learn and grow. Once again, I have found peace in my mind through an art and I love the creative process. I think I may jump into paining decoys with oils now just to see how I like it. I can always paint over it and start over if I want. Like Bob Ross says, “You can do anything you want in your world.” Art is my world…

I would love to connect with you all at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!

Thank you and go live your stories!

Original episode artwork created by Scott Simkins.

Music Courtesy of Unicorn Heads and used with Permission:

Sunshine on Sand; Performed by Unicorn Heads

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