Rice, Ramon (1928-1986)
Ramon Rice....an exceptional painter largely self taught. He was a man of extensive abilities yet simple tastes who lived almost a monastic life in Santa Fe where he spent his last years. His legacy includes the portraits of the people of Old Mexico. br>
The following biography is from Judi Rice Assony, sister of the artist:
My brother, Ramon Rice was born in Salem Oregon in 1928. He was the middle
child and only son of a family of 5. After high school, he was inducted into the Army and served in Italy after the war. During his service in Italy he learned how to speak Italian fluently and spent time studying the masters in the museums.
He obtained a Masters Degree in Philosophy at Pacific Union College and
later studied towards his doctorate in philosophy at USC.
While studying at USC, he took voice lessons to strengthen his public
speaking voice, for his intended career as a minister of the gospel. He
developed a rich baritone voice and delighted in entertaining people with
operatic arias at social gatherings.
He started painting at an early age. I can recall the bedspread on his bed
being used as a paint rag, and our mother keeping the door shut so guests
wouldn't see it. He had the IQ of a genius, and was completely self taught
as an artist studying the techniques of the masters. Although he painted
landscapes and some still life's, his greatest love was painting people whose
faces and bodies reflected great character from lives of hardship. He also
enjoyed painting children.
Although he loved beautiful things he had hardly any possessions. His
paintings were popular and commanded high prices but he never could hold onto his money and was always in debt to his suppliers. He frequently gave
money to those he felt needed it more than he did.
When he died in 1985, there were many paintings in progress in his home. It
was evident that the house had been pilfered as several completed paintings
that were to be in an upcoming show were missing.
The following biography is from Judi Rice Assony, sister of the artist:
My brother, Ramon Rice was born in Salem Oregon in 1928. He was the middle
child and only son of a family of 5. After high school, he was inducted into the Army and served in Italy after the war. During his service in Italy he learned how to speak Italian fluently and spent time studying the masters in the museums.
He obtained a Masters Degree in Philosophy at Pacific Union College and
later studied towards his doctorate in philosophy at USC.
While studying at USC, he took voice lessons to strengthen his public
speaking voice, for his intended career as a minister of the gospel. He
developed a rich baritone voice and delighted in entertaining people with
operatic arias at social gatherings.
He started painting at an early age. I can recall the bedspread on his bed
being used as a paint rag, and our mother keeping the door shut so guests
wouldn't see it. He had the IQ of a genius, and was completely self taught
as an artist studying the techniques of the masters. Although he painted
landscapes and some still life's, his greatest love was painting people whose
faces and bodies reflected great character from lives of hardship. He also
enjoyed painting children.
Although he loved beautiful things he had hardly any possessions. His
paintings were popular and commanded high prices but he never could hold onto his money and was always in debt to his suppliers. He frequently gave
money to those he felt needed it more than he did.
When he died in 1985, there were many paintings in progress in his home. It
was evident that the house had been pilfered as several completed paintings
that were to be in an upcoming show were missing.
