Artist C. Ford Riley recognized by FWC
News Release
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Media contact: Susan Smith, 850-488-8843
Meeting today in Havana, the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC) recognized artist C. Ford Riley of
Jacksonville for his incredible artwork.
Riley is a Jacksonville native and has spent much of his life in
the backwoods and wild areas of Florida, making notes about and
sketches of the state's unique environment and wildlife for his
paintings. His studio is a three-room house built on stilts, on the
banks of the St. Johns River.
"His work is rich, vibrant and powerful. We want to thank him
for fostering an appreciation of Florida's wildlife," said FWC
Assistant Executive Director Greg Holder, in presenting the
award.
"The artist is equally adept in watercolor, oil and acrylics.
His attention to detail makes his paintings much in demand by those
who enjoy fine art. In fact, he has said that he only paints the
things he is familiar with, things he can smell and touch."
He's also an ardent conservationist who rallies on behalf of
Florida's wildlife and the need for quality habitat. Although
he understands the need for development, Riley advocates a balance
between the needs of man and wild spaces.
"He gets up at 2 a.m. and paints, and then spends the rest of
the day out in the woods observing," said Scott Riley, the artist's
brother, in accepting the award.
Riley's artwork is on display at Stellers Gallery in San
Marco. The gallery is owned and operated by his brother
Scott.
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