Cecil Rice graduated from Brighton Art College in 1983. Cecil is well known for his powerful and vibrant watercolors of seascapes and architecture. Cecil has a passion for Italy, especially Venice, which he visits regularly. The element that resounds throughout all Cecil's work is that of light, Cecil comments "I'm attracted by how the brightest light in a painting gives way to the deepest of shadows. This range of contrast in a watercolor imparts a kind of strength and satisfies the eye."

Inspirations come in many forms, including his father Sean Rice, himself a respected sculptor. As for influential artists, he admires the work of The Norwich School, paintings by Turner, and the intensity of colour and fluid vitality found in Emil Nolde's work.

Usually Cecil will sketch in graphite before applying colour, using his sketch book he will often prepare or complete works on the spot. Watercolour sketches can also provide him with a guide when working back in his studio. In conjunction to such sketches, Cecil will also refer to the many transparencies he shoots whilst travelling.

Exhibitions have been displayed throughout Britain, and his ambition to stage a solo exhibition in Cork Street, London was realised in 2002, while in the same year his work was exhibited in Tokyo and Nagoya.