Though born and raised in Yonkers, New York, Richard Luce has always felt an affinity for the American West. A professional artist for over 30 years, Luce’s favorite subject to paint is the West as he feels an inexplicable draw to the area. Luce first received a degree in commercial art from Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, New York and then worked for a Manhattan publishing company as an assistant art director. In order to unwind from his stressful job, Luce would paint in the evenings, and during this time he truly developed his own unique style. After successfully selling some of his work in the early 70’s, Luce quit his job in order to pursue his passion full-time. Hiking in the back country of California, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Montana, and Alaska has provided a wide array of inspirational sources to draw from. When talking about his process, Luce says, “I am an artist, and I paint what I imagine, what I feel, what’s in my mind. That’s what it is to be an artist.”