Millennial Falcon (Matthew) (2021) Painting by Ryan Rice

Ryan Rice is a contemporary American painter whose work has gained national recognition and is held in private collections around the world, including in the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Known for his witty, humorous, and thought-provoking paintings, Rice has made a name for himself with works that play on puns and clever visual wordplay. Recently, he expanded his repertoire with figurative and pop culture-inspired series, choosing subjects that resonate with beauty, inspiration, and emotion.

Rice’s artistic approach emphasizes self-challenge, constantly pushing himself to explore new ideas and techniques with each piece. He believes that his creations are meant for others to enjoy, feeling a sense of completion once a painting is finished and ready to find its new home. In his words, the world can be tough, and he strives to bring joy and a touch of beauty to people's lives through his vivid colors and lighthearted subjects.

In 2017, Rice was honored with the Brandon Borchert Pop Art Award, a significant recognition of his contributions to pop art. He works from his studio in Arvada, where he also practices as a realtor with West and Main. His process is hands-on from start to finish—building his own stretcher bars, stretching his canvas, and starting each piece with a sepia underpainting that helps define tonal values. Rice layers colors thinly, building depth and dimensionality to make his compositions come alive.

His early influences included illustrated books like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and MAD magazine, whose humor and creativity sparked his passion for art and continue to shape his whimsical, color-rich style today. Through his playful compositions and meticulous technique, Rice blends the familiar with the bizarre, creating artworks that engage, entertain, and bring a smile to viewers everywhere.

• Nationality: UNITED STATES
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains: Works by professional artists,
• Groups: Professional Artist Contemporary American Artists