Born and educated in Kansas City, Missouri with a degree from the Kansas City Art Institute, Rice was employed as a commercial illustrator in Los Angeles, which required him to paint in all mediums. Since locating in Denver, he has continuously engaged in the dual careers of Fine Artist and Interior Designer.

Hal's paintings are included in corporate and private collections throughout the U.S. and abroad. He has exhibited widely including the Denver Art Museum, The Chicago Tribune Building, and the Aspen Design Conference.