As a young child, Kyril Bruce DeFoor was facinated with making art and he never lost that childlike enthusiasm. His formal education began with a Bachelor's degree in Painting, and a Master of Art Education from Eastern New Mexico University. Bruce then went on to study at West Texas State A&M University where he received a Master of Arts in Sculpture, and a Master of Fine Arts in Painting.
Over the past 40 years, Bruce has enjoyed his career as an artist, Fine Arts Professor, and Department Chair of Arts and Languages. Throughout his career he has been fortunate enough to teach thousands of students to learn to uncover their own hidden talents and to begin making art for themselves. He is honored that many of his students have become professional working artists and teachers themselves. It is his belief that every human being was born with a creative spirit freely given and encouraged by God himself.
Bruce paints in virtually every medium, including oils, watercolors, and pastels. However, he is always experimenting with new approached that enable him to keep expanding his vision. There are and have been many outstanding artists and teachers who have blessed his path. Bruce is forever working to repay his debt to each of them. Leona Head, Frank Reaugh, Dale Hamlett, Chris Gikas, Henriette Wyeth Hurd, Peter Hurd, Dr. David Rindlesbacher, Lincoln Fox, and Albert Handell are among his most important guides.
DeFoor's works can be found in private and public collections throughout the United States. Although he always loved sharing the gift of art through teaching, Bruce considers himself first and foremost to be an artist. The act of painting has taught him to recognize truth when he sees it and to pursue it as fast as he dare.