“I knew before I retired from teaching music that I would be painting landscapes with pastels. My love for art began in high school, and once I retired, I jumped into studying pastel techniques and experimenting with this medium. That was twenty years ago, and since then, I’ve spent my time observing the landscapes around me, appreciating how quickly they can change.

A tree bends to the wind, an old barn weathers and fades, light dances and shifts as the day progresses. Capturing these moments, and then reimagining them on paper, is what I love most. I’m always on the lookout for new techniques, enjoying the process of experimenting and seeing where it leads. Painting, like life, is full of surprises.”

– Rich Ford

Rich Ford is a Petersburg, Illinois native and a retired PORTA music teacher who has found a second creative life as a visual artist. Known for his work with soft pastels, Rich has spent the past twenty years capturing the beauty of landscapes, from serene rivers to weathered barns. He draws inspiration from the ever-changing qualities of light and color, bringing a dynamic, personal touch to each piece.

Rich’s work has been widely exhibited, gracing the walls of venues such as the Perspectives Art Gallery, the Smith Gallery at the Springfield Art Association, and the SAA Collective. He has participated in Plein Air demonstrations and auctions at events like the Lincoln Memorial Gardens Plein Air Festival, and his art has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2023 Color Award from the Illinois Prairie Pastel Society. In 2011, he was a featured artist at the Prairie Palette Gallery, a nationally recognized project.

As a founding member of the Illinois Prairie Pastel Society, Rich has played a key role in building a community of pastel artists. Beyond his artistic practice, he is known for his love of music and singing, as well as his dedication to mentoring fellow artists, supporting local arts organizations, and contributing to the vibrant arts scene in his community.