Virtual Art Tour

Ernest C. Simmons, American

River Otter

Born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Ernest C. Simmons’ family settled in Clearwater, Florida during his senior year in high school. During these formative years, his natural artistic talents began to bloom. A fascination with sketching, an affinity for photography, and a passion for wildlife – especially the birds of Florida – soon merged into an obsession that has honed Simmons’ great eye for detail and satisfied his natural yearnings for the outdoors. Simmons received no formal art training, but instead has taken advantage of nature's classroom; there, he has spent thousands of hours drawing, studying and photographing his wild subjects and their vanishing habitats. When transferring his visions to canvas, Simmons concentrates on watercolor as well as gouache and acrylic.

Simmons’ stunning portraits of birds and other wildlife are known for their fine detail and realism, and his original art and limited edition prints are widely collected. Simmons has become a well-known exhibitor in galleries and art festivals throughout the Southeast. In addition, he has been commissioned for work with and recognized by many conservation groups, including Save the Florida Panther and Ducks Unlimited. “I still try to spend as much time as I can outdoors,” said Simmons. “It’s my way of freeing my mind, letting go of my soul. I can identify with the freedom of wildlife. I’ve opened my hands and released hundreds of birds that were once injured and carefully repaired. It's exhilarating. To be able to preserve these creatures on canvas is the most satisfying feeling in my life.”