Sunday, December 23, 2012

More Trees...

I'm not sure what is driving this fascination, but I so thoroughly enjoy looking at trees...and trying to duplicate what I see, perhaps using a variety of untapped colors, both in nature and on my pallet.  Here are a few of the latest, all 12x12" acrylic on canvas panels.  -Erico




Friday, December 21, 2012

Where's my art? ...

It occurred to me this morning that my art is finding its way out into the world.  Maybe the works themselves haven't hit international status, but I find it thrilling to know that people from many countries are reading this blog and finding something worth viewing.  I welcome any and all comments regardless of language.  (I'm sure I can find a translation somewhere!).

I'm pleased that my first gallery event in October 2011 was such a success, sending over 20 pieces to the homes and offices of friends and family within the greater Milwaukee area.  And other works have been purchased since them, along with the commissioned Window pieces hanging in the Cintron-Cortez home in Shorewood--definitely my greatest accomplishment thus far!  However, it pleases me very much to know that some of my paintings have made it to homes and collections in other states.  Isla and Pueblo are hanging in the Lynch home in Arizona.  Second versions of Sunflower and Poppies have found their way (today!) into the Sanchez home in Miami.  Now...Sing! has also found its home in the Marshall Collection in Miami (or possibly somewhere in Europe!).  That's certainly exciting for me!

It was enlightening for me to see what I could accomplish on my own, but it's time to broadened my involvement with the visual arts community, as well.  So I've started some networking with local artists and organizations.  In March, I'll take part in my first community art fair in Cedarburg, just outside of Milwaukee, and look forward to other opportunities to display my work.  And I've joined a few arts organizations that are already providing much needed support to this emerging artist.  This should help me to analyze my work and find critiques that are greatly needed to help me improve my techniques and skills.

As this year comes to a close, it occurs to me that 2013 should be the year of great development in this new-found career.  I've got so much to learn...and so much to share.  -Erico        

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Commissioned Work..."Windows"

In Spring of 2012, I was asked by a married couple, friends and former students of mine whose wedding I sang many years ago, to create something for a large wall they were struggling to decorate in their family room.  Their home is a vivid dwelling filled with colorful furnishings and the music of their daughter.  They wanted something "different and colorful" for this large space.  When they saw my "Window" piece from an earlier posting, they fell in love with it and said "That's it!  That's what we want!"  I have just completed the following three pieces to adorn their colorful home.  -Erico

"Window Red" (acrylic on canvas, 36x36") Dec 2012

"Window Yellow" (acrylic on canvas, 36x36") Dec 2012

"Window Blue" (acrylic on canvas, 36x36") Dec 2012
All three of these works are now part of the Cintron-Cortez collection, hanging beautifully in their family room.