After twenty seven successful years in marketing communications, advertising, trade show design and commercial illustration Eric ventured out into the world of fine art.
“When I reached the point in my career where I was more manager/art director, and found myself hiring artists to do what I had always enjoyed doing, I knew it was time to return to the beginning, to my passion ,to creating art.” states Eric.
Fortunately he had the opportunity of working extensively with two well known California artists, Neil Boyle and Ron McKee both of whom where also illustrators before becoming painters. Eric had already developed a strong skill for quick and accurate drawing and a keen sense of color and design, which is so crucial in the advertising industry. What Boyle and McKee provided was the knowledge needed for translating his experience as an illustrator into fine art. The importance of capturing the essences of the subject as quickly as possible and develop good value and color harmonies.
These artists encouraged him to pursue his own style and artistic vision. Always strive for excellence and except nothing but the best from each effort.
Eric’s work requires neither explanation nor interpretation “My art is just what it is . . . a representation of what I see combined with how I feel about the subject at that given moment . . . “Painting should be more than a portrait of the subject matter...it must evoke an emotion that connects with the artists’ heart, only then can it touch the viewer.”
He tries to stay clear of overstated style and technique that mostly serves as an artist’s own identity. He lets the subject dictate what is best for it’s interpretation, what’s important for the over all image.
“After all, it’s what the painting is all about that holds true . . . not just the signature at the bottom,” states Eric.
Eric and wife Marlene currently live in the central Arizona mountains around Prescott. Just a couple hours drive to the Grand Canyon where they spend a few relaxing days every December with renowned artist Doug Oliver and his wife Barbara. For us it is a place of renewal, an inverted cathedral, if you will, where you can sit quietly with God.
Our two week painting excursion in the South of France was both exhilarating and exhausting. Each day the eight of us would visit two villages. Leaving our base city of Limoux at eight a.m. and, most days, not return until six p.m.. The French people we encountered were most gracious and helpful.