David Frederick Riley

David Riley is a gallery artist, portrait and wildlife painter, and illustrator.

His painting is inspired by the universal narratives of the human condition, emotion and the similar elements that appear in Nature. David works primarily in oil, contrasting contemporary color fields and abstract space with traditional handling of the human form. He uses color harmonies to showcase emotion and the vibrancy of life. His work frequently illustrates themes of emotional and spiritual growth.

David’s southwestern contemporary works are a unique approach to the wildlife and persons of the West: bison, longhorns, bears and iconic Native American figures. His palette is usually monochromatic, but the power of the imagery creates such an impression, that color is not missed. He has just commenced a collection of cowboys.

David has a BFA and MFA in Fine Art from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award. After a ten year career in illustration and teaching for Colorado Mesa University, He and his family now live in Utah, where he teaches and paints. David is the owner and primary instructor at Open Air Art Space.

David Riley has recently been a finalist in the Art Renewal Center’s Annual Salon, Oil Painter’s of America National Juried Exhibition, and was in the top 100 finalists in London’s BP Portrait Award.