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AD Maddox is an accomplished artist who creates some of the most spectacular and memorable paintings of trout that I\u2019ve ever seen. Using bright colors and unique perspectives, AD depicts trout and the fly fishing lifestyle in a way that is completely original, yet so authentic you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find an angler who doesn\u2019t love her work. Her art has been featured widely throughout the fishing world, including on the cover of Gray\u2019s Sporting Journal, Patagonia apparel, and even StealthCraft drift boats. \u2022 I first encountered AD\u2019s work when I moved to Jackson Hole in the mid-2000s. I\u2019m not an art connoisseur, but I was instantly taken away with how she managed to capture the beauty and realistic details of trout with a contemporary and unconventional style. And just like her work, AD is a one-of-a-kind original\u2014she spent years as a super-competitive athlete, studied exercise physiology in college, taught herself to paint without any formal art education, and rips around backroads on a Ducati motorcycle. Despite a fun-loving and easygoing exterior, she approaches her work with discipline and rigor that seem more fitting for a professional soldier than a professional artist. \u2022 Thanks to AD\u2019s outgoing and hilarious personality, we had a very fun and wide-ranging conversation. We chatted about her many years living in Jackson Hole and how the people, landscapes, and natural beauty of that valley influenced her art. We discussed her upbringing and her parents' role in giving her the confidence to pursue art as a full-time career. She also talks in detail about the importance of facing challenges (both in work and life) head-on and proactively, with a positive attitude and relentless work ethic. Whether you\u2019re an artist or not, there are many wise lessons in the conversation that anyone could apply to their work and life. \u2022 Thanks to AD for taking the time to chat. So much fun! Hope you enjoy. \u2022\u2022\u2022 http://mountainandprairie.com/ad-maddox/ \u2022\u2022\u2022 TOPICS DISCUSSED: 2:45 - How AD describes her work 4:30 - Why AD focused on fly fishing as a primary subject 5:50 - Selling her first piece of art 7:20 - Using photos to learn to paint trout 8:45 - How her art has changed over the years 10:30 - Knowing when a painting is truly finished 12:15 - How AD learned the technical aspects of art 14:00 - AD\u2019s artistic influences and mentors 16:00 - Lessons learned from painting mistakes 17:15 - Advantages of not waiting for permission 19:00 - AD\u2019s optimistic attitude 21:00 - The constant quest to reinvent her art 24:00 - Writers/Artist\u2019s block? 26:40 - AD\u2019s early years in athletics 29:00 - Parent\u2019s influence on her confidence 31:20 - Haters: the sign of success 34:00 - How living Jackson Hole shaped her art 35:50 - Importance of schedule, routine, and discipline 41:00 - Discipline versus inspiration 42:20 - Riding motorcycles 43:40 - How motorcycles helped her overcome personal challenges 46:00 - How personal challenges affected her art 50:00 - Favorite books 52:31 - Craziest outdoor experience 54:54 - Favorite place in the West 1:02:13 - Connect with AD online