Abundance...

We live in a world that is, quite actually, well balanced.  We, however, cause imbalance and imperfection.  And nature instinctively seems to fight us to achieve the balance that the world craves.  It's an interesting arrangment we have with this thing called "universe" and we certainly take advantage of what our world has to offer.  But we seem to take advantage of its generosity to excess.
   My fascination with trees continues to grow.  When did this begin?  While I was landscaping my backyard with 24 trees?  Or planting all the trees in front?  Or landscaping homes of family members and friends?  Their abundance, their offerings, their integration into the world's lanscape...all of this fascinates me!  And my mind's eye wants to explore them on canvas some more.  So here are a few of my latest.    -Erico

"Tree of Plenty" (acrylic on canvas, 10"x20") Sep 2013

"Tree of One" (acrylic on canvas, 10"x20") Sep 2013

"Tree of the Golden Sun" (acrylic, 6"x8") Sep 2013

Behold The Cross...

"Behold The Cross" (acrylic on canvas, 24x30")  Sep 2013

My church, St. Francis of Assisi, requested items to be auctioned during a golf outing and dinner reception that will help raise funds for the many programs run for our faith community.  Deciding what would be appropriate for a silent auction was a bit of a challenge.  That challenge fueled some energy and "Behold The Cross" was my contribution.

Eye Of The Storm...

"Eye Of The Storm"  (acrylic on canvas, 36x36")  Aug 2013

We've been spared in the midwest from some of the stormy weather that engulfs our planet.  But those tornadoes and hurricanes and tropical storms felt around the globe take their toll on the land and water that surrounds and nurtures us.  The earth feels their impact.  So do the inhabitants.  Nothing is spared, nothing is gained, nothing is really lost.  It's all recycled and balanced once again.  -Erico

Inspirational Travel...

This past week led me to the wonderfully colorful landscape of Door County, where I was inspired by fields of green and willowy landscapes and quaint art-filled towns and flowing water.  Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek....all of these little towns in the Wisconsin peninsula provided me with the tranquility, the air, the music, the art, the sounds...of peace.  It was splendid travel, filled with blessings.  -Erico

"Rain Down" (acrylic on canvas, 16x20") July 2013

New Territory...

"Facing the Demons"  (acrylic, 8x10")  2013

"Strike a Pose"  (acrylic, 8x10")  2013

I've been thinking quite a bit about the different ways in which one can represent ideas, translating them from the mind's eye to a painted canvas.  These two pieces have received mixed reviews, not in terms of their presentation, but rather in terms of their content or perceived messages.  They are unsettling images.  They are translations from within.  -Erico  

Full Spectrum: A Celebration of Art Through Color...

Three Milwaukee Riverwest artists have joined forces to present a vivid exhibit in full color at The Jazz Gallery.  Brian Hibbard (http://hibbard.daportfolio.com/), Todd Mrozinski (http://toddmrozinski.com/) and Erico Ortiz (http://www.ericosgallery.blogspot.com/), all members of the Riverwest Artists Association, have assembled a featured members exhibit that highlights their use of color in their paintings.  Rather than singling out each artist's work and artistic style, their works are intermingled and displayed as a spectrum of color across the room, which prompted the title of the exhibit: FULL SPECTRUM.  From abstract to street art to landscapes to textile paintings, this exhibit offers the viewers an inspired display and a range of subject matter.  -Erico

Morning Glow...

"Morning Glow" (acrylic on canvas, 36x36") May 2013

This photo is a detailed close-up of the centerpiece for my latest exhibit ("Scapes") which opens in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, this Friday, May 31.  It is surrounded by a series of new, much smaller sun and moon paintings.  Photo is courtesy of Frank Juarez.