Artist Mark Ray let his passion for coastal fishing inspired a career as a self-taught marine wildlife artist. Offshore billfish and other pelagics, as well as inshore species like speckled trout and redfish are some of the subject matter Ray has painted.
His “Pole Dancers” is a perfect piece of art for the cover of the February issue of Texas Outdoors Journal. Many coastal anglers this month will grind out days in pursuit of trophy speckled trout. However, sheepshead are beginning to make a move toward spawning areas around the Texas’ jetties, or stage near pier pilings and anything that would grown barnacles that these “convict fish” will feed.
The great thing about pursuing sheepshead, now and on into spring, is their abundance and size available. The opportunity to catch a double digit sheepshead is a very real possibility this time of year. Plus the added bonus is they provide excellent tablefare.
For more information on “Pole Dancers” and other fine works of art or commissions available by Mark Ray, visit www.markrayarts.com, email markraystudio@gmail.com, follow on Facebook or call (252) 646-8220.