Jim Riccio is an American artist whose work is inspired by a lifelong appreciation for nature, design, and the beauty found in everyday moments. Born and raised in Trumbull, Connecticut, Jim earned a degree in Marketing and Graphic Design from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island and furthered his studies in Advanced Graphic Design at Parsons School of Design in New York City.

For more than 35 years, Jim built a successful career in marketing and advertising, including 27 years at Subway World Headquarters, where he served as Director of Brand Image and led the company's in-house creative agency, Studio S. Throughout his professional career, he developed a strong foundation in visual storytelling, composition, and design—skills that continue to shape his artistic voice today.

Following his retirement, Jim devoted himself fully to painting, working in both watercolor and oil. While his earlier works were characterized by detailed brushwork and careful realism, his artistic journey has recently taken an exciting new direction. Embracing the palette knife as a primary tool, Jim has made a bold transition toward a more expressive and energetic style. Rich texture, vibrant color, and confident movement now define much of his work, allowing him to capture not only what he sees, but also what he feels.

Today, Jim lives on the Mediterranean island of Gozo, Malta, with his husband, Scot, and their two beloved cats, Mavis and Hazel. Surrounded by Malta's dramatic coastlines, ancient stone villages, and extraordinary Mediterranean light, he has discovered a renewed sense of inspiration. The remarkable beauty, history, and character of the Maltese Islands have infused his work with fresh passion and creative energy, inspiring new explorations in color, texture, and form.

Through Prickly Pear Gallery, Jim shares paintings that celebrate the spirit of place, the beauty of nature, and the emotional connections that make a scene memorable. Whether working in watercolor, oil, brush, or palette knife, his goal remains the same: to create artwork that invites viewers to slow down, look closer, and find wonder in the world around them.