An aspiring self-taught artist, Bruce draws inspiration from his family including uncle John Bickford, who’s Maine landscapes are in many New England galleries.  Other influences are the maritime painters John Stobart, Thomas Hoyne, Don Demers and wildlife naturalist Robert Bateman.  More formal training through regional plein air workshops has improved the depth and quality of his work.

Painting mostly local and regional scenes, many of the latest works are Plein Air, painted from the deck of his (rolling) boat while at anchor in one of the many harbors along the Connecticut and Eastern Long Island coasts, while others are from the studio from his own photography.  

A Chester resident and when not painting, Bruce is an engineer and senior manager for a local manufacturing and product development company.