Collection: Eric Olsen

My current work is about the experience of being in nature. Having spent years painting outdoors from observation,  I rarely went for a hike without my camera and sketchbook. Most of my larger pieces were created onsite as well.

 In the interest of being more expressive rather than descriptive I now seek to revive the energy of the outdoors in my painting. I still spend a lot of time outdoors but have chosen to leave my sketchbook and camera at home. I have found that it is more important for me to be present in nature, to be more aware of the life around me, and to more meditative in my observation. 

 Back in the studio, not pushing the paint to describe a particular scene, I let the paint form naturally. Relying on memory of places I've been, I use the palette knife to scrape and reapply the paint which gives a more random mark to express my ideas. I want the paint to mimic nature rather than describe it.