Reif Erickson

PlacerArts Palette                                                                                               The twice a month eNews sharing all things great inPlacer County Art

"I touch the Earth with my heart and paint the Spirit of the Land." It is with deep sadness that the artist community must say goodbye to Reif Erickson, who passed away on March 26, 2015. Known for his thoughtfully created pastel landscapes, his understanding of color and light, Reif was a regional artist with works in public, corporate, and private collections throughout the Pacific Coast and Japan. He attributed the success of his 38-year career to painting with pastels "on location," or what he called Fresh Air painting. Reif was a long time Artist in Residence of The Arts Building in Auburn and a valued member of PlacerArts. More recently he had been working from his home studio where he held classes for artists of all levels seeking to hone their skills in pastels. He authored a book entitled "Fresh Air  PAINTING". Among his achievements, Reif was honored by the Pastel Society of the West Coast as a Distinguished Pastellist. He was a member of the prestigious California Art Club, a charter member of the Sierra Pastel Society, and past president of the Pastel Society of the West Coast, in addition to being the recipient of numerous awards during his career throughout the northwest and internationally. His work has been on display regularly at Art Obsessions Gallery in Truckee, California; at Earthworks Gallery, in Yacats, Oregon; in Davis, California, at John Natsoulas Gallery, and in Auburn at Old Town Gallery. To view his work online and learn more about Reif Erickson visit his website http://reifart.com/