Topographical Maps

Many of us have that special place, a place where we have shared great times in the outdoors with friends and family. A painting on a map of your region with images that bring back those memories can be created just for you and your family. Landscapes, wildlife, pets, boats, homes, lodges or a painting of the trophy fish you just released are a few possibilities.

This original painting is a wonderful conversation piece. A loon in the mist, a beautiful sunrise, campfire scenes are some of the images that can bring you back to that special place. Each map is your memory, remember to be CREATIVE !

Nautical Charts

We have all had those wonderful days on the ocean or near the seashore. These original paintings are reminders of those times and places. Whether you are an avid fisherman, sailor, sun bather or a lover of nature and the sea, Alan can create a lasting image that will be both powerful and intimate to your experience.

Nautical Charts can be approached in much the same way as the Topographical maps. The images need not be specific to just fish. Your boat, your home, lighthouses, birds, tropical fish, scuba diving scenes and whales are just a few of the images that can all be incorporated into your painting. Alan will work from your photographs or from his extensive references. Alan has been a flyfisherman for over 30 years and has traveled around the world. In eighteen years of scuba diving, he has had the chance to dive with whales, sharks, sea turtles and dolphins. His artwork and his photographs reflect these experiences and his dedication to preserving the natural world.

A Unique Gift!

Many of us have that special place, a place where we have shared great times in the outdoors and on the ocean with family and friends. An original painting on a map of your region with images that bring back those memories can be created for you and your family. Landscapes, wildlife, boats, lodges or a painting of that trophy fish you just released are a few possibilities.

Alan will create a unique painting for you. He specially prepares the surface of the map and mounts it on archival mounting board. He carefully draws and paints the image of your choice in gouache and watercolor on the map or chart in the precise area requested. Alan works from your photographs or from his extensive references. The result is very three-dimensional, yet amazingly transparent. Up close most of the map is still visible!

This original painting is a wonderful conversation piece. A loon in the mist, a beautiful sunrise, campfire scenes are some of the images that can bring you back to that special place. Each map is your memory, remember to be creative!

Procedure for Commissioning an Original Map or Nautical Chart Painting

1. Decide on the area you are interested in and whether a nautical chart, coastal topo map, topo map or private map is preferred.
2. We will send by fax or mail the indexes for the maps and or charts that we find for your area.
3. Decide on a chart and or map that you are interested in seeing. We will order two sets of each and send one set along to you. A $100. deposit is required once we are at this step.
4. Circle the areas on the map where you would like images to be placed, you can write directly on the map or chart that we have sent you. Please be certain to circle any area you do not want images painted over, ie. favorite fishing areas, hunting areas, where your house or lodge is, etc. Once I receive this copy of the map or chart I will work closely with you to balance the composition.
5. I will quote the project at which time a deposit of one half will be required, the $100. deposit will be credited toward the first half payment. I will layout the entire map or chart with sketches of the images and either send you back the map or chart with the composition for approval or digitally photograph the layout and email it to you for your approval or further discussion. These very unique paintings are meant to reflect a very special place or event for you and I look forward to working with you to develop a very intimate painting for you. Monthly payment schedules are also an option.
6. On completion, the balance of payment will be do.

Please don’t hesitate to call me, 413 527-8557 if you have any questions about commissioning a map or chart painting.

The maps and chart paintings consist of elements and vignettes.

An element is any major image that you would like painted. In general, an image of any kind under 16 inches is considered a single element. Fish over 16 inches may be considered two elements. Size and species are some of the determining factors with the elements. Some elements require more time than others. Generally, houses, landmarks, boats or other large scenes are considered to be two elements. Each painting will be quoted to your specifications.

A vignette can be any small image or accent. Fishing flies, baitfish, flowers, fishing lures or logos are a few examples.

Choosing Your Map or Chart

We are a partner with the United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) and a vendor for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (N.O.A.A.) We have the full indexes for all of the U.S.G.S. maps, N.O.A.A. charts and Defense Mapping Agency maps and charts. We can help you find the correct map or chart for your area by faxing or mailing the appropriate pages from the indexes to you so you can choose the exact map you want. In some cases, it may be possible to put two or more maps together and crop for a specific area. We also have indexes for international destinations. You may also supply your own map or chart, but it is extremely important that they are not laminated or waterproofed.

7.5 minute maps 21" x 27" - Map scale 1:24,000, 1 inch represents 2000 ft.

1 x 2 degree maps 22" x 29" - Map scale 1:250,000, 1 inch represents about 4 miles.

30 x 60 degree maps 24" x 42" - Map scale 1:100,000, 1 inch represents 1.6 miles.

Fish Waters average 38" x 54" - Nautical charts vary widely in size and scope