Message from Eric
2025 Messages from Eric:
Eric shares his expertise and insights into watercolor painting to help you grow as an artist and find your own style. He will happily address any of your questions and talk about his own experiences gained since he started on this journey over 30 years ago.
A new article is published every month. You can also sign up to receive MESSAGE FROM ERIC as part of our Artists Newsletter HERE.
If you have a question that you would like Eric to answer, just send it to gallery@ericwiegardt.com.com with “Message from Eric” in the subject line.
August 2025
A Fresh Look At Color
I hope you’re all enjoying the pleasures of summer plein air painting. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my local plein air spots with many of you recently. If you missed out on this year’s workshop, join us next July!
This month, let’s focus on the basics of color. The primary colors are red, yellow and blue. These colors combine to create secondary colors green, orange and purple. These colors create a wide range of color harmonies.
Complementary colors are opposites on the color wheel. Variations of these colors can also be used as complements. Don’t feel confined to only using literal color complements. To elevate your color choices to the next level, try graying your colors. To gray a color, add its complement or near complement over the top of a wet or dry color. This technique creates wonderful depth in your painting by blending and creating nuanced colors.
For a more in depth look at color mixing check out my video “Color Mixing” streaming or dvd. On sale this month.
Keep Your Brush Wet!
Eric
July 2025
Refresher course on brush basics
Let’s take a moment to dive deeper into the fundamentals of art, because revisiting the basics can ignite fresh ideas and inspire new directions in your work. One of the most essential and often daunting aspects for artists is choosing the right brushes. With so many options available—each varying in shape, size, brand, and price—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Remember, an expensive brush isn’t always a better brush; quality and suitability depend on how well it serves your style and techniques. I encourage you to experiment freely: try out different shapes and various price ranges. This trial-and-error approach is invaluable. Allow yourself to explore with an open mind. For instance, I find that squirrel quill mops provide exceptional fluidity and control for detailed work and washes. A flat wash brush is perfect for broad strokes and background layering, while a sword striper brush lends itself beautifully to fine lines and decorative accents. My go-to round brush grants versatility for both sweeping strokes and detailed touches.
When working with brushes, ask yourself some key questions: Does the brush maintain its shape while being flexible? Can it hold plenty of water and pigment without losing its tip? Over time, I’ve learned that the right brush should feel almost like an extension of my hand—responsive, reliable, and capable of conveying my artistic voice.
These insights inspired me to develop my own line of brushes, tailored to these principles. I invite you to visit my website and explore the options that resonate with your style. Each brush is designed with care and backed by satisfaction guarantees. Remember, the relationship you build with your tools is vital—nurture it, and watch your creativity flourish.
Keep experimenting, stay curious, and as always,
Keep Your Brush Wet!
Eric
June 2025
Gratitude
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for each of you, my students. Throughout our workshops and Zoom classes, I’ve been truly inspired by your curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm. Your questions often spark new ideas and help me see things from fresh perspectives. If you have any questions for me, please email them to the gallery—I’ll answer them in upcoming newsletters. No question is too simple or too advanced, whether you’re just starting out or pushing the boundaries of your professional work. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Keep Your Brush Wet!
Eric
May 2025
Strong Value Patterns = Freedom
Remember our February discussion about freeing ourselves from realistic color constraints? When we focus on strong value patterns first, we gain the freedom to use colors that express our personal vision rather than literal reality. Try approaching your next painting with this mindset – let your color choices be guided by emotion and composition rather than what you literally see. You might be surprised by how liberating and refreshing this exercise can be.
For those who’ve been exploring these concepts in our mentoring sessions, I’ve enjoyed watching your progress. If you haven’t joined us yet, our small group environment offers a wonderful space to experiment with these ideas among supportive fellow artists. Either way, keep pushing your boundaries and enjoying the journey.
Happy painting!
Eric
April 2025
The Healing Power of Original Art
As the spring flowers begin to bloom, I’ve been reflecting on the profound impact art has on our wellbeing. Recent research confirms what many of us have intuitively known: surrounding ourselves with art significantly improves both physical and mental health.
Studies show that viewing and living with original artwork reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and creates moments of mindfulness in our busy lives. These health benefits make collecting art not just a passion, but a meaningful investment in our quality of life.
I believe the emotional connection we form with a painting is what creates this healing effect. When a particular landscape speaks to us, or a certain play of light and color resonates with our spirit, something powerful happens. That authentic connection brings a sense of peace and joy that can transform our living spaces into sanctuaries.
This month, I’m particularly excited to offer a special print of a painting very dear to my heart. “Ann” is a portrait I created shortly after art school, capturing my wife’s natural beauty – both within and without. This has been a hidden family treasure, and I’m pleased to now make it available as a limited edition print. There’s something timelessly serene about this portrait that seems to bring calm to any space it occupies, just like Ann herself.
I invite you to visit the gallery to experience our newest original works and the “Ann” print in person. As always, I’m grateful for your continued support and the joy of knowing my work brings beauty and well-being into your homes.
Warmly,
Eric
March 2025
Capturing Reflections: Inspirations from Belize
The start of 2025 has been filled with inspiring moments, especially during my recent Plein Air Workshop in Belize this January. The tropical light dancing across the crystal waters created endless opportunities to explore one of my favorite painting subjects – reflections.
Water reflections have always fascinated me as an artist. They transform the ordinary into something magical, doubling the visual interest while adding depth and mystery to a scene. In Belize, the interplay between the turquoise waters, swaying palms, and colorful buildings offered perfect subjects for capturing these reflective qualities.
I’ve returned to the studio with numerous studies and reference materials that I’m excited to develop into larger works. You’ll be seeing these Belize-inspired reflections appearing in the gallery over the coming months.
I invite you to visit the Wiegardt Studio Gallery in Ocean Park to see these new works as they emerge. There’s something about the luminosity of reflections that truly comes alive in original watercolors that simply can’t be captured in reproductions.
Thank you for your continued support that allows me to keep exploring and growing as an artist.
Until next time,
Eric
February 2025
The Real Magic of Original Art
Recently, one of our former employees (you’ll probably remember if you had framing done over the years!) Christl, came across a fascinating study that confirmed something I’ve experienced countless times in my artistic journey. Dutch neurologists discovered that viewing an original painting stimulates our brain activity ten times more than looking at a reproduction. This resonates deeply with my own experiences, especially during our painting adventures in France.
In my studio, I have numerous books filled with reproductions of paintings, yet there’s something profoundly different about standing before an original work of art. When I’m in front of the actual piece, I can truly grasp the artist’s technique and depth in a way that simply isn’t possible with a reproduction. The whole experience becomes infinitely richer.
This reminds me of what we experience with original watercolors. Each time I observe an original piece, I find myself connecting with the artist’s depth of communication on a much more meaningful level. There’s something special about seeing the true interplay of pigments, the authentic brush strokes, and the way light plays across the actual paper surface.
For those of you who collect original watercolors, you understand this intimately. It’s not just about owning art – it’s about having that direct, powerful connection with artistic expression in its purest form. This is why I’m so grateful to share my original works with each of you who have chosen to bring them into your homes.
I invite you to experience this deeper connection firsthand at the Wiegardt Studio Gallery in Ocean Park. Come see my latest collection of original watercolors and discover for yourself how different it feels to stand before an original painting. I would love to welcome you and share these special moments of artistic discovery together.
It’s wonderful to have science confirm what we art enthusiasts have felt all along – there truly is no substitute for the real thing!
Until next time,
Eric
January 2025
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We hope you all enjoyed a festive and relaxing holiday season.
Ann and I relished the time spent with our children and grandchildren over Christmas and New Year’s. In the picture above, we were with some of our grandchildren: Anna, Naomi, Lizzy, Theo, and Moses. They bring so much light and joy to us always.
In looking back at the past year, we are so thankful for all of you who join us in our various workshops and those brave individuals who explore and travel with us! It is an honor when you purchase my art to enjoy in your homes or businesses. It is also so rewarding to see your artwork develop and to share in your successes & milestones. We cannot do what we do without you and truly appreciate your support. We hope to see you again in the new year!
Best Wishes for a prosperous & wonderful New Year,
Eric and Ann