In 1998, Ryan received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Utah State University where he studied under Glen Edwards, to whom he still credits much of his success as an artist. Previously, he studied at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah where he earned an Associate of Arts, degree, and also at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. His education continues today with trips to museums and galleries around the country to study from the masters, both living and deceased. Ryan cites numerous artists as influential, but Frank Tenney Johnson and Carl Rungius are always at the top of this list. Ryan travels widely to participate in show including the C. M. Russell art auction in Great Falls, Montana and Nature Works in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was awarded a best of show, 2-D in 2003, and best of show overall in 2004. Ryan was a top 100 finalist at the 2004 Arts for the Parks where he was awarded the wildlife award of merit and the Grand Canyon purchase award. He was honored to have a painting included in the Artists for a New Century show in Bennington, Vermont in 2002. In the January/February 2003 issue of Wildlife art magazine, Ryan was recognized as an "up and coming" artist and in September 2000, he was featured in Southwest Arts' first 21 under 31 issue. First hand knowledge is very important to Ryan's work. Frequent excursions in the field provide him with studies, photographs, specimens and memories, all of which become the basis for his paintings. Yellowstone, the Tetons and the Canadian Rockies are favorite destinations, as well as the red rock and desert country of the southwest. Ryan currently resides in Ogden, Utah with his wife, two young daughters and son who are also developing a love of art and wild places. "We are very excited about this time in our lives and feel extremely blessed to do what we do! I hope that through my art people will remember the importance of preserving our wild heritage.” |
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| "The Plainsman" - Ryan Skidmore | |
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Collectors Covey Wildlife & Sporting Art | (800) 521-2403 | gallery@collectorscovey.com |