Rory Coyne is emerging as a leader among a group of dedicated painters working in the contemporary allegorical realist movement. He entered school with an inclination toward illustration but after a single painting class his dedication for painting has only continued to grow. He began serious study of classical master works at SUNY Fredonia, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 2003. He then entered the graduate program at the University of New Mexico where he continued exploring and developing his love for classical, figurative technique, while also pursuing teaching. After receiving his Masters of Fine Art in 2007 he moved to Chicago where he still keeps his studio. While Rory has always worked in a narrative tradition, while earning his degrees the influence of myth, fable, and allegory on his work became more and more important, giving rise to a very particular kind of grandiose story telling that he pursues in his daily studio practice.