About Scot A. Forrider

Wildlife Graphite Artist | Conservation Focus

Scot A. Forrider is an American wildlife artist whose work explores Florida wildlife, marine and coastal ecosystems, North American species, and endangered animals around the world. Working primarily in graphite while expanding into painting and mixed media, his art emphasizes detail, texture, character, and the presence of the animals themselves.

Artistic Background

Forrider’s journey with art began early. As a high school student, he won the prestigious Mike DeWine Congressional Art Competition with a detailed graphite and ebony pencil drawing of a raccoon … an image that, in hindsight, hinted at his lifelong connection to wildlife. The win earned him national recognition, including an appearance on The Today Show, and a scholarship to the Columbus College of Art and Design.

Though life later led him away from the art world for several decades, the discipline of drawing and his deep instinct to observe nature never left him.

Current Work

Years later, Forrider returned to graphite with renewed purpose. A transformative trip to London, where he met wildlife artists and conservation advocates from around the world, deepened his commitment to using art as a voice for species that cannot speak for themselves.

His current body of work spans Florida wildlife, marine and coastal ecosystems, other North American species whether threatened or not, and endangered wildlife worldwide. Through detailed drawings and paintings, he aims to capture not only the physical beauty of these animals but also the fragile reality many species face today. In 2024, two of his drawings — Pelicanus occidentalis (brown pelican) and Big Baby (loggerhead sea turtle hatchling) — were shortlisted in the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year competition.

Recognition

Finalist (2025) — Wild Heart Gallery, The Art of Animals International Juried Art Exhibition, Loggerhead

Shortlisted (2024) — David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year (Pelicanus occidentalis and Big Baby)

Winner — Mike DeWine Congressional Art Competition (raccoon drawing)

Scholarship — Columbus College of Art and Design

“Congressional Art Competition Award – 1989”