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In 1975, at the age of seven, Eric began his training under the tutelage of his father. The year saw Eric's first three paintings come to completion. The first painting, a small scene of the Arizona desert, along with a study of a Russian olive tree still exists in his mother's collection. Eric spent much of his youth attending drawing and painting classes taught by Kent in their Logan home/studio. During the summer school breaks the two would pack up the supplies and head for the canyons, parks, avenues, or anywhere plein-air painting could be done. Sometimes Kent would be teaching outdoor workshops; other times the two would head out together to work one on one. With nature as a model and a great friend as a teacher, Eric began forming his artistic intuition.
Utah State University accepted Eric in 1986. After completing his freshman year, Eric left for the Fiji Islands where he lived for two years. on his return in 1989, Eric began studying art at the university. During his senior year, Eric was awarded the commission for the David B. Haight Alumni Center as the senior class gift to the university. Eric graduated cum laude in 1992 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting.
The professional career began in 1990 when art dealer Jim Clark established Eric in a Scottsdale gallery while the artist was still attending USU. Other exhibits included the Haley Memorial Library Art Show, Midland Texas, the First and Second Annual Columbia River Art Show and Sale, Richland Washington, and the East Meets West Show and Sale in Gaithersburg Maryland. The first one-man exhibition came in January of 1992 at the Long Gallery, Scottsdale. Art Critic Danny Medina wrote concerning the show, "Not only is he young, but he really has a great deal of promise" and "It is nice to see new talent coming into the marketplace. Now, if only it doesn't go to his head - this kid might really make a mark."; (Art-Talk, Feb 92, pg.29).
In the spring of 1997 Eric studied with fellow professional Scott Burdick. Eric also studied with two of the country's most respected artists, Richard Schmid and Burton Silverman in November 1997. Study and improvement continue to be import!!!ant in Eric's work.
Eric is currently living in Logan Utah with his wife Valerie and their four children. Eric served the community as president of the Alliance for the Varied Arts in Logan from 1999 to 2001.
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