Waukesha Civic Theatre....

"Orange Poppies" (acrylic on wood panel, 12x30")

The second piece created for the fundraising event at Waukesha Civic Theatre.  I am sometimes surprised by what I can accomplish if I set my mind to it.  This was my first full painting on wood... and I like how it turned out.  Hopefully others will enjoy it as much and that it will sell at a decent price to help support the many great events at WCT.  -Erico

 Waukesha Civic Theatre...

"Birch Trees" (acrylic, 16x20")

Waukesha Civic Theatre has welcomed me with open arms.  I am making my directorial debut with a charming play called BLOOM.  I have the perfect cast and am thrilled to cooperate in whatever ways I can to the theatre.  "Birch Trees" was created as a donation piece for a silent auction fundraiser taking place this weekend.  It's one of three donated pieces of art I created for the event.  Hopefully it will bring in a nice profit to support all the projects that take place at WCT.  -Erico

 One Off...

"The Pack" (pen,ink,watercolor / 12x14")

The Martini Girls have invited me to participate in their annual art exhibit at the Art*Bar entitled "One Off." Creating something in a style that I would probably never do again was quite the trick.  But a trip to Florida allowed me the opportunity to play poolside.  "The Pack" was the final result.

Watercolor Fun! 

"Watercolor Fun" (watercolor, 8x10")

Chicago always poses some interesting opportunities for me.  Sitting in my hotel room on a cold, dark night, I decided to pull out watercolor paints and begin to play.  Random ideas of distorted faces and shapes became the influences for these five paintings.  It was whimsical fun.  -Erico

 Minimalism?

"Moonlit Hearts of Palm" (acrylic, 16x20")

Creating a piece that exists in one's mind and doesn't really connect to reality... is something I strive to achieve rather often.  This piece will be exhibited at the Art*Bar with the Martini Girls in a show titled "Not So Much."  I enjoy these challenges to create from within, to put the images of my mind's eye onto a canvas.  This piece was fun to create.

 Commissioned work...

"Bomba!"  (acrylic, 36x36")

MKEDowntown commissioned me to paint live at Red Arrow Park on Saturday, July 17. The intent of their grant is to support more art creation and exposure in the downtown area. It was a perfect day to paint outside. Many people stopped to ask questions and to comment on my progress. Calling upon my Puerto Rican roots, the dancer is performing a Bomba dance, influenced by the drums and movements of African slaves brought to the island in the 1500s. Traditionally done in white dress, some dances have bursts of color. My hope was to play with movement. Struggling to do just that, I restarted this piece three times before settling on the image above. As a result, what should have been a one-day painting activity, ended up taking me into the next day.  Hopefully I achieved a bit of cultural representation. It was a pleasure to create this piece which will be auctioned off during a fundraiser of the Milwaukee Downtown BID to raise funds for a local homeless shelter.  -Erico

Heartbreak... 

"Noeh...Going Home" (acrylic, 12x24")

Sometimes the sadness takes over.  Sometimes the agony is so strong that it can destroy a person.  This tragic loss of an innocent child at the tender age of 3 just broke my heart.  I was brought to tears when I read that the first-born of a long-time acquaintance was found lifeless one March morning.  Rightfully so, his parents are still reeling from the loss.  My heart goes out to them.  I saw a photo of the dad, Luis, tossing his little boy in the air.  It was posted by the mom, Michelle, as part of her tribute to her wonderful husband and father of Noeh.  It broke me!  I was compelled to paint that image... with all its interpretations.  It is a celebratory piece, full of life and anguish, playfulness and regret, joy and sorrow.  My heart cries for this broken family.  Here's to Luis and Michelle Rivera who continue to celebrate the life of their boy, along with his two little sisters.  May Noeh's memory never fade.  He is in a new home.  💔  -Erico