
This month we met Dan Burr, a painter, illustrator, and fly fisherman located in Tetonia, Idaho. Thanks to his talent, experience, and training, Dan has built a successful career painting and illustrating all types of subject matter. His book illustrations and paintings portray everything from pirate ships to historical battles to Christmas mornings. Luckily for us, his work also features plenty of fins, flies, and fishing scenes. Read more about Dan and his work below.

Flylords: Did you grow up with any artists in your family?

Flylords: Have you always enjoyed painting subjects from the natural world?
Dan: I started painting when I was very young. My dad set me up with a pallet and canvas and gave me some basic lessons, then turned me loose. I’ve been drawing and painting for so many years that it’s just part of me—it’s what I do and how I see the world, especially the natural world. I guess because I grew up in a rural setting I’m drawn to the natural world more than the urban world. When I was young our parents moved us away from the city to the mountains, and before my father died I thanked him for doing that.

Flylords: What drew you to study illustration in college and graduate school?

Flylords: What has shaped your style as an artist?
Dan: Because of the places we lived and the things my family did, I was exposed to the natural world—fishing, hunting, camping, etc. I remember watching my dad paint on location on some of our camping trips. That influenced me more than I thought at the time. I don’t remember thinking, “I’m going to do that when I grow up,” but it was part of who he was and is now part of who I am.

I’m a hunter and fisherman and the subjects of my pursuits are incredible to look at. I can’t help myself for wanting to try to capture what I love in my work. I love fishing with a fly rod and looking at the incredible variety of fish that I have been lucky enough to connect with. The other day I was fishing with my son in some new water and he landed a beautiful rainbow with huge spots on its head. I’m sure that fish will work its way into one of my paintings.

Flylords: What do you hope viewers experience when they see your work?

Flylords: Do you prefer digital or traditional painting and illustration?

Flylords: What keeps you interested in outdoor subjects?

Flylords: What are the steps in your artistic process?

Flylords: What role has fishing played in your life?


Flylords: What keeps you painting?

Flylords: How can folks learn more about you and your work?

Derek DeYoung & Wagner Skis Release Special Edition Fish Print Skis