Eric Wiegardt Studio Gallery

Visual Pleasure for Generations

Greetings from Wiegardt Studio Gallery as we enter our summer season.

We have a lot of new and wonderful changes at the gallery, but first I want to share with you some exciting developments from the home front.

Last weekend our whole family drove to Washington State University, Pullman to celebrate the graduation of our two oldest sons. Both Nate and Zack graduated in Mechanical Engineering and have landed jobs in Bremerton, WA., working for the Navy.  Nate will be a specialist in torpedoes and Zack will be a nuclear refuelling engineer assigned to submarines. We are proud of their hard work and absolutely delighted to have them back over to the west side of the state so we can have a chance to see them more. 

Our oldest daughter, Kelly, will be entering her first year at WSU this fall as a Junior, after having graduated  from Clatsop Community College this spring. She has set her sights on Nursing but is open to other possibilities.  Esther is thirteen, and still home of course – but growing like a weed.  In the past year we have taken guardianship of our twelve-year-old nephew, Cody, who is adjusting well to the transition. It is such a blessing to have him join our family.


As for exciting developments in my studio gallery, I have many things to share:

Be sure to look at my new paintings on the website. The painting at right is titled Brownsmead Flats. Painting is an ever changing adventure of discovery. Each year I see growth in my facility of handling the medium of watercolor.

By summer, the Gallery will be painted, giving a 100-year-old building a new and fresh look. As I write this, we are still selecting color harmonies that will best reflect the building, a place to come to collect quality fine art that will give visual pleasure for generations.


Special Events

On April 17 our first Eric Wiegardt Art Dinner was held at the Shelburne Restaurant in Seaview, WA.  I had the privilege of experiencing the exquisite cuisine of Chef Michael Campiche in the company of art lovers.  I shared my thoughts on watercolor painting and on how to collect a meaningful body of art that reflects an individual’s taste. 

What a wonderful opportunity to meet people who have a passion for art and exceptional dining!  The friendly banter was delightful and encouraged the development of new friendships.  Visit the new Special Events page on my website to see photos of the event.  Upcoming events will be posted on this page so make sure you visit often to see what is coming next!


School of Painting

I have recently expanded my activities and created the Eric Wiegardt School of Painting. I am leading four local weekly painting classes in Ocean Park and Ilwaco, as well as Gearhart, Oregon. I'm excited for the opportunity to work with students on a long term basis. Building this ongoing relationship will allow students to develop a deeper understanding of design and painting techniques.

As much as I have enjoyed the week-long workshops that I have conducted throughout the country over the past 25 years, many times I have wished I had more time to work with my students in order to develop their artistic expression further. This opportunity has now come and I am finding it very rewarding.  I am currently accepting new students with all levels of ability. This summer I will be doing plein air painting classes, which will be posted on our website in addition to my updated workshop schedule.


“Secrets of Painting” Educational Series

By the end of the summer I hope to have the first installment of an educational series released. The series is intended to be an innovative and practical resource for the watercolorist. It will be in a format that the artist can use right alongside their painting project. My intent is to be simple but relay important truths regarding design, painting principles, and technique.  We are very excited about this project and will expand it into a series over the next year. Stay tuned!


New Greeting Card Box Set

Many of you have asked for more greeting cards featuring my paintings. We will be offering a new box of five this summer.  They make handsome gifts and are great for personal use.


My Upcoming Print

Exciting News: We are releasing a new print titled Glass Floats. It is a beautiful reminder of a special treasure coveted by beachcombers up and down the coast. I am sure that for many, it will bring back fond memories with family members and cherished friends. I will be more than happy to personalize a print for you. Glass Floats will make a wonderful gift and offer visual pleasure for generations.

There are two equally valid ways I may approach color. The first is to use my own color sense (conceptual color) and develop my own harmonies as my taste dictates. This is very rewarding as I am able to have complete freedom of expression.

The other way is to use the color harmonies set before me by the subject (realistic color). This too is rewarding, however, in this case my sense of careful observation is called upon and tested. My new print Glass Floats represents this technique. It was important for me to allow realism tell the story of this painting. I chose to emphasize the delicate color harmonies of the highly reflective glass surfaces. These color harmonies are universal to all who know the highly prized glass float. The painting came out beautifully!


Please stop by my studio gallery in Ocean Park this summer; I'd love to help you collect a painting that will offer visual pleasure for generations.

My best to you this summer,
Eric Wiegardt AWS,NWS


School of Painting Workshops

June 22-26, Ocean Park WA

I want to encourage you to take a break from life (you deserve it!) and join me in my watercolor workshop June 22-26. Not only will you be able to explore aspects of painting loosely, but we have a beautiful beach (28 miles long), two lighthouses, and quaint marinas for your enjoyment.

In addition to studio painting I would like to share the joy of plein air (on site) painting, as the weather is most favorable this time of year.

Come join me as we work together on improving your watercolors. Space is still available. Call 360.665.5976 or email to reserve your place in this exciting study.

August 4 - 6, Trails End Art Center, Gearhart, OR

Visit www.trailsendart.org or contact Ellen Zimet at 503.717.9458 for more information about this School of Painting workshop.

Plein Air Painting

Come enjoy the outdoors with Eric Wiegardt in plein air painting. These classes will be held on Wednesdays. Call for meeting location. The cost is $195 for 5 classes:

July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. Classes will be from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

To sign up, visit the website, email, or call the studio gallery at 360.665.5976.