Chance Yarbrough

Meet Chance Yarbrough

Chance Yarbrough’s career path has taken him from working in a fly-fishing shop to the pinnacle of the Texas sporting artist world. He grew up hunting and fishing and has always been inspired by the natural beauty of Texas. His parents nurtured his artistic talent and in middle school he began entering and winning art contests. He studied art in college but didn’t think he could make a living at it.

His first career aspiration was to become a fly-fishing guide. A family vacation and his first Texas coastal fly-fishing experience had him enthralled.

“I caught tailing redfish on a fly for the first time, and it was the most amazing fishing experience I’d ever had,” recalled Chance.

Chance convinced his wife Haley to move to the coast, where he took a job in a fly shop in Rockport. He began decorating the store’s blackboard with beautiful chalk drawings of coastal fish. Soon, customers were asking if any of his work was for sale.

His work also caught the eye of a regular shop visitor, venerated Texas sporting artist Herb Booth. Herb encouraged Chance to follow his muse and took him under his wing. Thanks to his mentor’s encouragement, Chance took the leap into the life of a full-time artist in 2013 and has never looked back.

Now he’s considered one of the best Texas sporting artists working today, with commissions backed up for years. Chance is thrilled to be able to make a living through his dual passions of art and nature, while raising two young sons with Haley.

“Becoming a father has just intensified my passion for Texas lands, waters and wildlife. I want my sons to be able to experience the outdoors like I have.”

Chance believes, “The Texas we love would not exist without conservation efforts, and I want to do everything I can to be sure it is available for future generations.”