Eric Larson

About Eric Larson

Eric Larson's artistic journey is a testament to the transformative power of inspiration and dedication. Growing up in the Midwest near Chicago, Larson's passion for art was kindled early, as he often drew from encyclopedias to fuel his active imagination. His creative spark was further ignited during high school in Massachusetts under the guidance of Michael Milan, a renaissance man who introduced Larson to diverse artistic disciplines. Larson's commitment to art was evident when he sold his first woodcut in high school, setting the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of artistic expression.

Larson's style is characterized by his fascination with sunlight and shadow, focusing on the charm of small-town America. His oil paintings capture the dynamic interplay of light and shade on frame houses, vintage cars, and glass in still lifes, creating evocative scenes. Using a limited palette of six colors plus white, Larson's loose, expressive technique emphasizes large areas of color over detailed realism, allowing him to transform everyday subjects into compelling compositions. This approach was solidified after a pivotal visit to the Door County Plein Air Festival in 2013.

Throughout his career, Larson has continuously sought to refine his craft, notably through workshops with renowned artist Tim Horn. His dedication to learning and growth has garnered recognition in various exhibitions and juried shows nationwide. Among his accolades are the Alden Bryan Award for Traditional Painting in Oil at the Copley Society of Art in Boston and Best of Show at the Light on the Easel National Juried Show in Kansas. His solo exhibition, 'Backroads,' at McHenry County College, marked a significant achievement, leading to his work being acquired for the college's permanent collection.

Now retired and residing in Woodstock, Illinois, Larson devotes his days to painting, drawing inspiration from the scenic Midwest landscapes. His methodical approach, informed by his background as a data analyst, involves meticulous tracking of his hours and output, consistently striving to exceed his own expectations. Represented by several galleries and with collectors in 20 states and five countries, Larson continues to expand his reach, driven by the play of light and shadow that first captivated him.