Mark Hobson (Prints)

Unlike Pacific Salmon which die after spawning, Steelhead, being a marine version of a rainbow trout, are able to return 3 – 4 times to fresh water to spawn. They are highly prized as a sport fish but in recent years most ethical fisherman return their catch to the river alive. Every year the Pacific Salmon Foundation holds a competition to choose the image that will be featured on the Salmon Conservation Stamp. The stamp is the federal saltwater fishing license decal required for salmon sport fishing on B.C.’s west coast. This painting was Mark's entry for the 2016 stamp and came second place. Mark's artwork has been featured on the stamp in previous years. The thrill in doing this piece was tackling the underwater light patterns on the back of the fish and trying to get the turbulent water to look authentic as viewed from below.