Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Poulson.
Eric, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
It is not surprising that I spend a lot of my time and energy in the world of art, it has been a big part of my life since early childhood. My first exhibition was in 2nd grade at the Scottsdale Center for the Art (just sketches at the time). I have since been in several galleries, had images published by three different publishers and have been in several shows. While this is all nice, I’d be lying if I said it changes anything – I’d still be painting/sculpting, constantly trying new techniques even if I never showed my work anywhere, I’m just too interested in playing with all the great materials and trying new things! I’ve had several people over the years mention how much they admire my devotion to my chosen craft, but the truth is, I really don’t think I have a choice!
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have some success when it comes to sales through galleries or shows, but I have also found that the key to growing as an artist has been to never get comfortable or content in what I’m doing. In fact, I have noticed that although it is downright uncomfortable, and often hard work, the biggest steps I take in growing as an artist come from going in a totally different path than I was on before. It is scary, but it is really rewarding, and as a result, I’ve jumped into styles/techniques that I never thought I would understand.
I don’t really concentrate on a subject matter, it just has to be something that interests me. I’m more interested in the style of artwork being produced and the mediums used. Again, it is a bit unnerving to start over stylistically, but you progress as an artist several times faster.
To date, I’ve done impressionist landscapes, Dutch master still lifes, abstract paintings, modern landscapes, sculpting and have even expanded into concrete artwork and furniture… and when I look at what else is out there, I don’t think I’ve scratched the surface of all the things left to do! Still, so many things left to try!
What do you know now that you wished you had learned earlier?
Looking back, I wish I had put more time and effort into getting instruction and learning the skills all artists need, regardless of style. Things like learning composition, sketching, color theory, etc… I once had a wonderful art instructor tell me that you need to paint a mile of canvas before you get good, which was a clever way of saying “just practice a lot!” I should have listened to years earlier than I did! My advice to other artists? Try not to rush through the learning process, those techniques that are hundreds of years old are still around today because they work! You still have plenty of opportunity for self-expression, there’s nothing wrong with having the tools to do it right!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
There is always something of mine on display at Romanov Jewelry and Fine Art on Main St. in Scottsdale, or if you are in Tucson – Sanders Galleries. I have also been a participant for several of the “Celebration of Fine Art” shows throughout the years. Of course, I’m constantly interested in getting opinions on my new stuff through Instagram!
Contact Info:
- Website: fineartamerica.com/artists/eric+poulson
- Phone: 480-686-1173
- Email: poulson@cox.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/poulsonart/
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