Long a resident of central Ohio, he now lives full-time with his wife in Sarasota, FL. Bryan is largely self-taught, although he has taken workshops in the past with Ohio master impressionist Mark Gingerich. Among historic influences, Bryan cites the Cape Ann school and Bucks County, PA painters of the early 20th century as being particularly influential. His favorite historic artists include Frederick Mulhaupt (American, 1871-1938), Frank Benson (American, 1862-1951), and Hugo Ofverstrom (Swedish, 1900-1972).