Meeting 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.