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

Birds on a Wire...

Birds on a Wire (watercolor, 5x7")

Worked on this during several trips... just playing poolside... never thinking it would become anything.  Once matted and in a simple black frame, it became a Christmas gift for Casey.  

 Off Kilter...

"The Lean" (acrylics, 20x20")

The Martini Girls always challenge me.  This piece will be part of their exhibit titled OFF KILTER at the Art*Bar with an opening on September 1, 2023.  It's always fun to be challenged by a specific theme.  -Erico

 Paddygrass Irish Band...

"Ribbons" (acrylic, 30x30")

"Ribbons" (photoshop version with curls)

Last summer, Derek Byrne asked me to create an art piece for the next Paddygrass band album cover. I struggled for months trying to come up with something that would engulf the idea of ribbons in a Celtic way.  Using one of the traditional Celtic tree images, I painted the original "Ribbons" and realized it needed more.  Playing with a Corel Photoshop feature, I stumbled upon the curls... and I love it!  I'm anxious to see how it looks on the next CD jacket.  -Erico