This artist of Italian descent has devoted his life to portraying the history he loves. A professional artist for almost 40 years, his subject matter has varied little from his primary interest, the history of 18th and 19th century America.  After graduating with a degree in commercial art  where he learned the basics of composition, color and design, he worked for a publishing co. in Manhattan as an assistant art director. During that time he started developing his artistic style. After experimenting with different subjects his love of history and the American story won out. He states “When I was young the paintings I most admired were those of Frederic Remington and I still get a chill when I stand in front of one”. Painting historical subjects comes naturally to this artist. His interest and fascination with American Indians with their free roaming way of life and strong family structure has enabled him to produce paintings of unequaled excellence. Also the stories of the early pioneers, mountain men, Texas rangers, and all the others who helped write the tale of America.  He started selling his paintings in the early 70’s through the Douglas Gallery in Stamford, CT. During that time he developed quite a following which encouraged him to make the big decision to quit his job and to paint full time.

He soon started to travel the west to see it all first hand. Hiking in the back country of California, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Montana, Alaska and Canada in all weather conditions he was able to observe nature at its best. His paintings reflect his hands on knowledge as he always strives for authenticity in his work. Many collectors have commented that his snow feels cold and his water feels wet and they can sense the different textures he paints whether they are hard stone or a soft feather.

Richard Luce has had his paintings featured in movies, television specials, numerous book and magazine covers as well as articles. He has also had a collector plate series by the Franklin Mint as well as a collector series by The Hamilton Collection. He has attended numerous trade fairs and primitive rendezvous over the years to get a first hand knowledge of what it felt like to live in that part of history. Camping in his own Tipi, wearing the clothes and smelling the wood smoke gives him the insight to portray his subjects accurately. Which is something he always strives to do.

Each Luce painting is unique, different from the last, or the next. Singly, and as a group, they stand as a tribute to his enthusiasm and love both for painting and for the America he loves.

Courtesy – www.richardluce.com