PHOTO PROVIDED An image of Ron Beach’s piece, “Inquisitive Red Fox” is pictured.

PHOTO PROVIDED
An image of Ron Beach’s “On Thin Ice” is pictured above.

LOCK HAVEN — The Clinton County Arts Council will host work by local artist Ron Beach at a special exhibit, beginning with an opening reception on Friday, Feb. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m., at The Station Gallery, 2 E. Bald Eagle St., Lock Haven.

Beach has been a member of the CCAC for many years, as well as having shown and participated in a number of regional art organizations and gallery opportunities.

According to a release from the CCAC, his wildlife art has long been a favorite of collectors and shows the beauty of wildlife and appreciation of the outdoor life our state of Pennsylvania has to offer.

“One of the most powerful inspirations of our part of the world is seeing that unparalleled beauty of nature,” the release said. “The CCAC is proud to host a special exhibit of his paintings to kick off their 2026 gallery season at the Station Gallery.”

Roughly 26 of Beach’s original paintings will be on display, with the public invited to see so many of the artist’s original works all in one place. The release notes some pieces are being shown on loan from their owners.

According to information from Beach’s artist website, he developed a passion for nature as a young boy.

“While most boys his age were involved in sports, Ron would be found roaming the fields and forests that surrounded his home, doing what he called ‘nature snooping,'” the website notes.

While at the Williamsport Technical Institute, now Pennsylvania College of Technology, Beach trained to be a draftsman and was hired by the Pa. Department of Highways. He also became a deputy game protector with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Beach’s art career began in 1984 when his fiancee presented him with an acrylic paint set and introduced him to the artwork of Robert Bateman.

Since that time, he has followed Bateman’s career and considers him a mentor and the greatest influence on his art.

“From the time I received that paint set, I have never laid a brush down. The knowledge and experience I have gained from working as a draftsman and with wildlife have contributed to a solid foundation for my art. I paint what I like; inspiration for a subject comes from spending time alone in the woods. I look at things that most people would step over. I believe I am getting better with age. I am much happier with my latest work than I am with my earlier work,” Beach said in a statement.

For a painter who doesn’t release many paintings per year, the commitment lies in the quality of the work and the integrity of the composition.

“I definitely know what I expect of myself and my work. It takes time to do something well. So much of today is about instant gratification, but anything lasting is the result of time devoted to making it the best,” he said.

No matter what his subject may be, Beach’s paintings will always be known for their thoughtful composition, richly detailed landscapes and accurately portrayed wildlife.