Ric Sprynczynatyk

Ric Sprynczynatyk was born and grew up on the high plains of the Dakotas. His love of open spaces and sparse population led him to remain in his hometown where he resides with his wife Pam, and their three children, Annitsa, Samuel and Edison.

Ric knew his path at an early age. His aunt, a librarian, brought him stacks of old magazines featuring the illustrators Norman Rockwell and James Montgomery Flagg, among others. Ric marveled over their artwork and how they painted and drew with such realism. And, having a beard at age 10 and a long Bohemian last name were perhaps added factors to his becoming an artist.

For years Ric split his time between art and the restaurant business, during which time he earned awards for menu design, won acclaim for his recipes and met and served such celebrities as Bob Hope, Neil Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie.

An avid runner, Ric has logged over 37,000 miles. He also has a great love for music, especially the "blues" and has played the blues harp for over 30 years. Ric has never pigeonholed himself into one type of artwork, but has kept his ears and mind open to any creative project. Challenging himself to work in different mediums watercolor, airbrush, graphite, oils. Ric's illustrations have appeared in international magazines and his watercolors of local landmarks have helped preserve the history of his hometown.

Ric joined SKY ART Karen Kristin in 1994 and has since been featured on HGTV's "Modern Masters" program.

Ric can be reached at spry@qwest.net