Jeff Erickson - I knew at an early age, art would be a part of my life. My grandmother was an American Impressionist painter, and I would watch her create colorful brush strokes across the canvas. I grew up traveling the world and living in faraway lands with my family. I visited museums across the world, and soaked in images of the landscapes I was fortunate enough to travel.

My art developed out of these experiences, with an eye towards texture and abstraction. My paintings have a minimal and literal landscape element, while I try to capture and convey the textures of life. The experience of painting is a great escape from the complexities of life, and I always find myself creating an abstract scene of peacefulness, relaxation, and calmness. . I’m drawn to water, the sea, the ocean, and these feelings show up in my abstract landscapes.

I paint with oils and wax medium, on canvas, gessoed hardboard, and paper. I’m able to create multiple layers of translucent colors, and through the process of scratching, distressing, and dissolving, I’m able to capture depth and feeling within the painting. With each painting, I start with no end game. I allow the painting to develop and see where it leads.

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To take Jeff Erisckson's workshops, click on the workshops listed below.