Painting the Backcountry: The Art of Hunter Azar

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This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care, our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter.

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In a world of mass production and muted gear, Hunter Azar is creating something entirely different—one brushstroke at a time. His work isn’t just painted, it’s lived in. From Kinco gloves adorned with trout and cowboys to cornhole boards and guitars splashed with mountain sunsets, Azar’s art is a moving tribute to outdoor culture and individuality. It’s raw, bold, detailed—and it’s catching on fast.

From Homework Doodles to Custom Commissions

Hunter’s creative journey started in high school, sketching trees and portraits on his class assignments instead of completing the homework. Encouraged by his classmates, he picked up a sketchbook and taught himself the fundamentals of drawing and watercolor through YouTube and trial-and-error. "I liked feeling like the creator—giving the tree life," he said. His first-ever commission? A $40 ballpoint pen self-portrait for a friend.

After a stint studying architecture in Charlotte, North Carolina, Azar decided to make a change. He moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to work as a ski valet and soak in the art-rich environment. While there, he began drawing on a chalkboard at work—and it didn’t take long for coworkers and guests to notice. Two glove commissions turned into dozens. One of his first big hits? A pair featuring a cowboy scene, hand-painted on the iconic Kinco gloves, popular among ski bums.

Turning Gloves Into Canvases

Hunter uses Kinco gloves because they’re blank, absorbent, and not pre-waxed—giving him control over sealing his own art. He started with just the primary colors and taught himself blending techniques on the fly.

"Most mediums are similar, and I’d seen reels of people painting," he explained. "I had a basic understanding and just figured it out."

His workflow is mostly intuitive. While he sometimes sketches beforehand, he often paints freehand with a clear vision in his mind. 'I like to envision it in my head and set the composition there,' he says. Over time, acrylic paint became his medium of choice—largely because of the boldness and speed it allows. One recent commission took him less than an hour to complete.

Art That Sticks (and Seals)

Azar’s style blends realism and abstraction, often accented with fine detail work and his signature 'dots and eyes' to pull viewers in. "I never draw the same eye twice," he noted Thematically, his pieces are drenched in outdoor culture—fish, ski lifts, bison, stormy skies, and carry a heavy personal touch. His favorite pair to date? His own Hestras. 'Because I get to rep them,' he says.

What’s Next for Hunter Azar?

Today, Hunter charges $250 for custom gloves and has a backlog of commissions that spans gloves, cornhole boards, T-shirts, and even a dice table. He’s dreaming bigger too. "I really want to paint a building and do a big mural," he says. He’s not stopping with gear either—Azar hopes to collaborate with brands and eventually launch a full art business rooted in outdoor gear and functional design.

The Vibe: Real Community, Real Connection

His TikTok following is active, loyal, and vocal—especially after a standout pair painted with MF DOOM artwork. "The guy who got them sent a bunch of messages that really made me feel good," he says. Several fans comment on almost every post. It’s not just views and likes, t’s relationships, appreciation, and encouragement.

Where to Follow & Get Involved

Hunter is currently taking most commissions through TikTok, but he’s hoping to grow his Instagram presence and build a website soon. If you’re lucky, you might catch one of his giveaways, or better yet, claim your own custom creation. He gives special thanks to his parents, younger brother, and friends for supporting him through this journey. "They’ve kept me going," he says.