Richard A. Kelly and Camille S. Yates

Richard Kelly is a well-known landscape artist who studied under A. E. Backus. Also, known as R. Kelly, Richard transforms Florida's landscapes into oil paintings on canvas that burst into life. His clouds and reflections on water create realistic images that bring you into the painting.

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

My passion for painting comes from the awesome beauty of our surroundings. The uplands and the wetlands as well as the wildlife in their peaceful environment struggling to survive, the light of the sun against a cloud-filled sky and the wind and rains that sustain the land, the oceans, rivers and lakes holding precious resources of water, the light reflections, sunrise and sunset. All inspire the soul. The talent to see and capture the beauty of nature on canvas is a gift from “God” a gift neither learned nor earned. Although I was unable to paint for years due to an injury, my appreciation of the environment grew stronger and my work is stronger today as a result. I agree with my mentor, Mr. A.E. “Beanie” Backus, that art is to be shared and talents are to be given back to those in need. I am glad to help our community with gifts for charities. I am currently involved with the St. Lucie County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Program working towards the preservation of ecologically significant land. I have served as the Artist Coordinator for the “Art for Nature” program. I am honored to have my work displayed in the homes and offices of people who share the love of the natural beauty of Florida.

Camille S. Yates is a scientist and biologist. Since childhood, she has immersed herself in nature. Following her love of the outdoors, she received a Master of Science in Ecology in 1997 from the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida. During her career as a biologist, she has published many manuscripts on birds and habitat management. She helped write the Indian River Lagoon Comprehensive Conservation Management plan while employed by the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Camille has gotten her feet wet in many Florida wetlands. She worked in the Everglades for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. While in the glades, she assisted with the legal battle to save the precious River of Grass. She also spent many hours in the field fighting exotic plant invasion and documenting wildlife and plant species on the refuge.

During her employment with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Camille became extremely involved with wading birds - heron, egrets, ibis, and more - studying their habitat and documenting important rookeries in the Indian River Lagoon and other wetlands throughout the east coast of Florida including the Florida Keys.

The St. Johns River is another gorgeous Florida wetland where Camille has spent much of her time. For the past two decades, she has studied the wading bird use of the various marshes throughout the Upper St. Johns River Basin.

Also, for the past two decades, Camille has studied the animals and habitats in the Indian River Lagoon having worked for the Smithsonian Marine Station, the Environmental Protection Agency and the St. Lucie County and Volusia County Mosquito Control Districts.

Her passion for nature is felt through her words on paper. She writes a column called Wild Side for the Indian River Magazine.