Growing up on a farm in rural Missouri, Ryan Peterson developed a great appreciation of nature at an early age. With no formal art training, Ryan's love of nature and special interest in birds sparked his quest to capture the spirit of wildlife on canvas. Since he was 13, Ryan has spent his time developing his talent for "bringing the outdoors indoors" through a diverse array of media including oil, watercolor, acrylic, pen & ink, and wood. 

Ryan's accomplishments include winning the 1995 Missouri Duck Stamp Competition, making him the youngest artist to design a state duck stamp. Peterson's work has been reproduced in various publications, including the Missouri Conservationist and A Guide to the Birding Areas of Missouri. Ryan's interest in the environment extends beyond his artistic endeavors.He holds a B.S. in fish & wildlife biology from the University of Missouri and has been a flyfishing guide in Idaho and Chile. Peterson's work hangs in private and corporate collections throughout the world.