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, , 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 ion 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: Contemporary American Artists