October's Featured Artist - Meet Tug Rice

by Mari Robeson in


I'm so excited to share with you one of my most absolute favorite illustrators, Tug Rice. Tug is this month's Spotlight Artist! It’s fitting because Tug is used to being in the spotlight for his acting work but now it’s time to shine the light on him for his wonderful art work.

You can listen to Tug's full podcast interview HERE. The video version on YouTube also allows you to see more of his gorgeous artwork.

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I met Tug on Instagram a few years ago. It was easy to fall in love with his effortless illustrations that always seem to have something cheeky about them. He mainly chooses to illustrate scenes from around New York City where he lives and perhaps it’s that or maybe it’s because his sketches leave you wanting to know more about the person on the page, either way it’s brilliant and I adore all his creations.

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Tug works digitally but his art looks like watercolor or sometimes pencil and ink.

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In this episode Tug and I talk about his journey as a self taught artist and how a last minute decision to enter an art exhibit led to his incredibly successful career as an illustrator. He recently collaborated with jewelry designer, Harry Winston for a beautiful 6 page spread in Harper's Bazaar. You will also find Tug's work in The Wall Street Journal, Vogue Poland, Travel & Leisure, and Rowing Blazers.

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Tug has so graciously allowed me three pieces of his art to be sold this month to raise funds for the Louise Monforte Art Scholarship. They are available for the month of October in my on-line Shop under the Give Back category.

Listen to the Full Episode HERE

Website: TugRice.com

Twitter & Instagram: @TugRice