On the Edge Sea Trout The Zulu Silver Fly Masterpiece by Roger McPhail

🎣 Sporting Wildlife Art at Its Finest “Sea Trout on Brink, Nearly Hooked by the Zulu Silver Fly in Shallows” 🎨 By Roger McPhail

Step into the mesmerizing underwater world of freshwater sport fishing with this captivating and richly detailed painting, "Sea Trout on Brink, Nearly Hooked in Shallows," by renowned British wildlife artist Roger McPhail.

This thrilling scene captures the raw tension of nature—just milliseconds before a prized sea trout lunges toward a glimmering Zulu Silver fly. It's more than just art—it's a high-stakes moment suspended in time, where sport meets storytelling, rendered with breathtaking realism. 🐟🎯

🎨 Composition Analysis: A Masterclass in Underwater Tension

The composition of this painting is a study in narrative balance and immersive perspective:

🔍 Focal Point: The trout’s open mouth and wide eyes pull immediate focus, perfectly aligned with the direction of the fly. The fish’s dynamic posture creates a powerful sense of forward momentum and anticipation.

🌊 Subsurface World: The murky, light-dappled water above the trout captures a realistic distortion from the surface, contrasting beautifully with the crisp, almost photographic clarity of the stones below — grounding the viewer in this shallow riverbed.

🎯 Line of Action: The implied diagonal from the fly to the trout’s mouth draws the viewer’s gaze along a natural narrative arc — from the lure to the potential catch — mirroring the tension of the angler’s anticipation.

🪨 Foreground & Background: McPhail uses the rocky bottom as a textural anchor, while the upper band of reflected light on the water’s surface provides contrast and depth. It’s a smart compositional choice that enhances realism while guiding the eye through the painting.

🖼️ Balance & Framing: Framed in a classic gilt wood style, the painting is visually centered and harmonious — lending it a museum-quality presence suitable for distinguished collections.

👨🎨 About the Artist: Roger McPhail
A celebrated figure in British sporting and wildlife art, McPhail is revered for his lifelike depictions of nature in motion. From upland game birds to trout in full strike, his work captures moments of instinct and survival with unmatched precision. 🌿🦆

🖼️ Artwork Details

• Title: Sea Trout on Brink, Nearly Hooked in Shallows

• Artist: Roger McPhail

• Medium: Watercolour with gouache on paper, backed with board

• Style: Realism / Wildlife / Sporting Art

• Subject: Sea trout mid-hunt, set in a crystal-clear shallow stream

• Frame Dimensions:
  📏 Height: 51 cm
  📐 Width: 60 cm
  📎 Depth: 2.5 cm

📜 Provenance & COA

This painting holds an impressive history of ownership:

🏛️ Private Collection
🏞️ Tryon Gallery, London — a top destination for sporting and wildlife art
🏅 High-End Shire Fine Art Auction
🏡 Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD — a trusted source for rare fine art acquisition

🔏  Certificate of Authenticity included

✅ Condition Report

Offered in fine used condition. The painting surface is clean and well-preserved with strong color and detail. The original frame shows minor scuffs, scratches, and small chip losses, all consistent with age and use, adding to its vintage charm without detracting from its display quality.

🌍 Worldwide Shipping Available

We proudly offer global shipping options with secure packaging and insurance, ensuring this masterpiece arrives safely at your door — wherever you are in the world.

📩 Inquire now to secure this unique piece

🖼️ Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.