...and more moons!

Moonwalk (acrylics, 12x32")

Painting in black and white is so different for me!  It's a challenge to stick to the original plan.  There are hints of color in the stones of this path.... silver, green, terra cotta, and more.  This was a long time coming, trying to determine the balance of black, white...and silver.  Several days later, this is the result.  I'm still learning.  -Erico

 Many moons....

Cracklin' Moon (acrylics, 36x36")

I go back to moons and trees when I need inspiration.  Texture is an interesting part of the newest pieces I've created.  Sometimes even I am surprised by and really love what I am able to create.  -Erico

 Kinky Boots....

"Rhonda's Gold" (acrylics, 14x30")

Kinky Boots, the musical by Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Feirstein, prompted a variety of paintings, several of which sold during the run of the show in June of this year.  This was one of my favorites.  -Erico  

 Floral Blues...

"Floral Blues" (acrylics, 24x48")

I donate so many pieces of art to community fundraising events!  This was created as a donation piece for La Causa Inc. with the intention of being auctioned off for their Respite Care Nursery.  Hopefully it brought in a decent donation from those who attended the Gala 2024.  -Erico

 From Where I Sit...

"Dottie" (acrylic on child's chair)

The Wisconsin Visual Artists-Southest Chapter has been after me to join the organization for quite some time.  I finally did.  I'm learning to expand my horizons a bit, to take some chances with objects and designs that I've not considered before.  "Dottie" is being introduced to the world at Lakeland University Gallery in an exhibit entitled From Where I Sit which features over 20 chairs that have become part of the gallery's installation.  I'm excited to see the entire installation, as well as the many 2D pieces that are also part of the exhibit, to see how creative people can get even more creative with an object like a chair.  -Erico

 Color... !

"Emerald Forest" (acrylics, 24x24")

I've been inspired by so many requests for my art lately.  People have enjoyed my use of color.  I decided this one needed to focus on one set of cool colors (blues, greens) with a contrast of warmer tones (orange, yellows, pink).  The contrast is fun to view.  -Erico

 The Guitar....

The Guitar (acrylics, 18x24")

I am very happy with how this turned out.  It's colorful, it's fun.  I'm trying to do something new with each new work of art.  I do hope people enjoy seeing it on display during Gallery Night this year.  -Erico

 Commissioned work is fun!

Picasso-inspired Painting (acrylics, 15x15")

I had painted a small wood chair in this style during the pandemic.  I had so much fun watching it develop and people have enjoyed viewing it.  Evelyn Patricia Terry fell in love with it during my exhibit opening on March 1, but it was not for sale.  She asked if I could create a version of it on canvas.  This is the result.  I'm anxious to see her reaction when she receives it.  -Erico  

 Theatre!

"Comedy & Tragedy" (acrylics, 12x14")

The colors!  Whew!  This was tricky.  I'm still not sure that the red orange was the correct choice, but it's done.  -Erico

Spring is in the air...

"White Blossoms" (acrylic, 12x12")

This was fun to create.  I struggled a bit and found that it had to be created and re-created until I was happy with it.  But it's finally done!  -Erico

 Cancer sucks...

Hope Floats (acrylics, 18x24") 

I'm often asked to make a donation of art to worthwhile fundraisers.  Cancer has struck home so many times, and it's never easy to cope with.  Loved ones, far and near, are affected and struggle to understand the "why me?" question.  A loved one said to me after her diagnosis several years ago, "Why not me?  What makes me special that I should be surprised to learn that I have cancer?"  It was one of the bravest moments among our many conversations over the next several years.  Cancer sucks... and hope dwindles after a while... but maybe, one day... we can catch that ribbon and cheer.  I hope this  brings in a sizable donation.  -Erico    

 Reaching...

"Reach" (acylics, 16x20")

Aren't we always reaching for something?  As far back as I can remember, I struggle with the idea of being satisfied.  Is there ever a time when we know we've done enough, we've been enough, we've shared enough, or ...  we've had enough?  I've learned to cope with the dissatisfaction, the yearning for more.  But the reach is still there.  -Erico  

 Peaceful Ruler... 

"Peaceful Ruler" (acrylics, 36x48") 

I was challenged by Carol Christ to make something LARGE for the upcoming June exhibit, "Out of Our Minds." I worked this very large canvas for a few days... and absolutely love the results!  A lot of great feedback came from those who saw the piece in my Decada exhibit.  I am extremely proud of this piece... and it made me realize how far I have come in twelve years of painting.  -Erico

 The Rogues Artists Group....

Natural Shocks (soft pastels, 11x14")

Mindful Vineyard (soft pastels, 11x14")

Green Envy (soft pastels, 16x20")

The February exhibit of the Rogues Artists Group at Inspiration Studios is entitled Out Of Our Minds and features approximately 20 artists with a wide variety of mediums. Based on what they have seen of my art during other exhibits, and a couple of awards that I received, I was asked to join their crusade.  I was hesitant, but these pieces certainly do appear to be reflections of a mind gone wild.... or at a minimum, frustrated beyond belief!  We'll see where this leads.   -Erico