What's Inspiring?

Whether it's from a mountain top or a bridge or an airplane window, the view is always something to behold, something that leaves us in awe of all that is around us.  It can take one's breath away or fill it with melancholy.  -Erico

"From Above" (acrylic on canvas, 6"x6") Nov 2013

"Just Passing Through" (acrylic on canvas, 6"x6") Nov 2013

Wood Paintings...

I find it interesting to see what a flat piece of wood can lead a person to create.  The challenge was to use something less traditional as my painting surface.  I chose several 12"x24" pieces of wood and saturated them with a variety of water colors.  In one case, I found that the watercolors effectively turned this into a surprising piece of art and created the mountain landscape seen here.

"Mountain View" (watercolor on wood, 12"x24") Nov 2013

The second piece took on something more when I began to add dabs of acrylic paint over the watercolor.  It wasn't at all what I intended to create, but became another sort of landscape, a skyline.  I can't help but ask:  Is this a city in flames, perhaps?  -Erico

"Skyline" (watercolor & acrylics on wood, 12"x24") Nov 2013

Lifeline...

"Lifeline" (acrylic on wood, 12"x24") Nov 2013

The ups and downs, the joys and sorrows, the highs and lows.... they all make for beautiful and painful and joyful and sorrowful memories.  We each have one lifeline, inspired by those occasions that fill our soul and our heart.  Its connection with other lifelines is art.  As a result of its display in Sheboygan for the Holiday Show & Sale, this piece has generated such a wide variety of responses because of its similarity to sound waves and a heartbeat.  One person asked about the possibility of having it printed on a t-shirt, which prompted others to say that they would love to purchase one.  So t-shirts are on their way, as well as greeting cards.  Wearable and usable art--what a great idea!  -Erico  

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