daas Gallery features contemporary Scottish Master's first U.S. exhibit

Rhythms of Autumn 2 The daas Gallery in downtown Fort Myers will premiere internationally acclaimed painter Ronnie Ford's new collection in the United States. The Master Scottish painter's work will be daas Gallery's exhibition during the month of March, with an opening reception scheduled for March 6, in conjunction with Art Walk night.

"We feel extremely honored to showcase Ford's pieces in our gallery," said daas Gallery owner Xavier Brignoni. "Knowing that we are his first U.S show in such a long and celebrated career in Europe and Asia is incredibly exciting and frightening for us, but we are confident that we'll produce a fantastic exhibition in accordance with this Master's artistic caliber."

Mr. Ford's signature style of sculptural painting inspired by the countryside around his second home in France and influenced by his studies of eastern and western art invites the viewer on a journey through the landscape.

"I study the landscape, then distance myself from it physically and with time, in order to filter out unnecessary detail and capture the spirit of what I have seen on my canvases. As a result, my paintings are often not representations of any particular place, but more of the impression that place has left upon me," said Mr. Ford.

His work features a highly textured surface and use of contrasting colors that capture the French and Scottish landscape in a personal and evocative way.

He has used his success to benefit the Esther Benjamins trust (giving children back their childhood), which is a charity that has released children (not guilty of any crimes) from jails in Nepal and runs care and education for street children and under—privileged and socially shunned untouchables. The EB Trust also rescues children from slavery and abuse. Mr. Ford has also helped other charities, including the Society for AIDS Care in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Charity Auction. He regularly donates paintings to help raise funds for POWER4Limbs, which provides replacement limbs for children and adults who have been injured by landmines.

The exhibition will be on display through March 27. For more information, visit www.ronnieford.com or www.daasgallery. com. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.