Frederick C. Wilda                         

Fred is a self taught artist who has made commercial
and fine arts his chosen career since 1959.  Self
employed for more than 30 years, he began watercolor
paintings of minerals in 1998.  His paintings fall into
one of two basic categories...specimen or species.  A
species painting may require more than one specimen
to complete the work.  He prefers to work from actual
specimens, but when necessary he can use photos. 
Limited edition prints are usually made from the
originals.  Many of his originals are commissions
from collectors or museums.     

Fred has completed a series of over 130 illustrations for reproduction in a book titled "The Pegmatite Mines Known
as Palermo", written by Robert W.  Whitmore of New Hampshire.  His work has also been included in articles in the Extra Lapis English magazine as well as Rocks & Minerals and Rocks & Gems magazines.  Fred was honored to be picked as the "Featured Artist" in the 2004 Mineral and Fossil Show in Munich, Germany.  His originals and limited editions prints are in many collections throughout the United States and Abroad.  Currently selections of his paintings are in the collection of the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California.

Fred's passion for art is matched by his obsession for minerals.  Field collectors for only 10 years, he and his fiancée, Helen Rodak, have a very impressive collection.  The challenge of illustrating minerals is fueled by the vast amount of subject available.  Fred's answer to this challenge is "The joy of completing a painting is dwarfed by the anticipation of doing another".

His paintings and limited edition prints are displayed at various Mineral Shows including the Connecticut Valley Mineral Club Show, the East Coast Show held in West Springfield, Mass, various other New England Shows, and the Inn Suites Hotel at the Tucson Arizona Show.