Will Ryan
A native of New Jersey, Will Ryan cut his adult artist’s teeth in New York City. He graduated from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, where he has since been a guest lecturer. He has also been a guest teacher at The Rhode Island School of Design and the Hampton’s Victor D’Amico Institute of Art.
Will had an early successful career as a commercial photographer in New York City, which included many award-winning advertising campaigns, and book and album covers. In 1986, shortly after moving to his home and studio in Amagansett, Long Island, Will phased out of commercial work and began painting and working in mixed media. His artwork has been exhibited in many galleries including The Southampton Arts Center; Guild Hall, Longhouse, and The Whiteroom Gallery, East Hampton; William Riss Gallery, Jamesport, NY, Lucore Gallery, Montauk, NY, Nabi Gallery, New York City, and The Hui No’Eau Art Center in Maui, HI. His work is also included in the permanent collection of the Rubin Museum in New York City. Will now divides his time residing and working in Amagansett on the east end of Long Island and Maui.
“When I returned to my first love, painting, after working many years as a photographer, I was immediately drawn to mixed-media abstract work. Incorporating pigment, copper, gold and silver in my my work led me on a quest for primal beauty, and an expression of spirit, playfulness and hope. I now approach each new work with joy and curiosity. Embracing the dance with elements as they spontaneously arise, trusting in knowing when to lead, and when to follow.”
- WR
FLYIN HOME, acrylic and leaf on board, 24” x 48” in
FLYIN OVER, acrylic, dye, copper leaf, 44” x 86” in
REMEDY, mixed media, dye, gold lead, bamboo, wood, 44”x 132" in
EN GARDE, acrylic on canvas, 72” x 60” in
STROKE OF LUCK, acrylic on canvas, 60” x 78" in
SIDESTEP, acrylic on canvas, 30" x 30" in
WHEN THE IRON BIRD FLIES, acrylic and silver leaf on canvas, 36” x 74” in