new fleye sketches from Pop and Q…

The master, Bob Popovics wearing the first original “Beast” tee. Artwork by Al Q

original sketch by Bob Popovics.

original sketch by Bob Popovics

original drawing by Al Q All rights reserved.

final color scheme and design by Al Q All rights reserved.

I was recently asked by my friend, Bob Popovics to sketch up a few of his most inovative fly patterns for some tee shirts he will use to help promote his new book soon to be released entitled, “Fleye Designs” I can’t wait to get me hands on this new book, it should be out the beginning of next year. His last book is now a classic entitled, Popfleyes, and I consider it to be the bible for saltwater fly tying. If you tie flies and haven’t seen that book you are living in a cave. Bob is my mentor as a fly tier and ever since I met this man over twenty years ago, he has been one of the most generous people I know, always willing to help me better my game as a person and fly fisherman. I felt honored to be able to represent these patterns with my drawing style mainly because I know them so well personally tying them and watching Bob tie them over the years. I though I would share some of the thinking and sketching process here. I should be receiving my first two samples soon, the rear floating squid and the beast. The ultra shrimp and schoolie should be on deck… I think these shirts will be available for sale at the Tuffleye booth during the Somerset Fly Show in New Jersey the end of January…

Orignial sketh by Bob Popovics for the “Schoolie” fleye

original Schoolie Fleye drawing and color design by Al Q (all rights reserved)

original sketch for the Rear Floating Squid by Al Q (All rights reserved.)

Original sketch for the utlra shrimp fleye by Bob Popovics

The Ultra Shrimp fleye, original drawing and color design by Al Q (All rights reserved.)

Rear Floating Squid fleye, original drawing and color design by Al Q (All rights reserved.)