ERIC CHRISTENSEN - Hypperrealism in Watercolor
Eric Christensen Biography
Master watercolorist Eric Christensen is celebrated as a true virtuoso in the world of watercolor painting, known particularly for his captivating hyper-realistic wine still-life paintings. His artistry transcends traditional boundaries, blending the delicate medium of watercolor with the rich hues and textures of wine culture.
Christensen's paintings evoke a sense of warmth and sophistication, capturing the essence of vineyards, wine bottles, and glasses with remarkable precision. Through his mastery of watercolor techniques, he brings to life the subtle variations in color and the luminous quality of light that dances across the surface of his compositions.
His artwork has garnered widespread acclaim, earning him a reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of wine through art. Collectors from around the world eagerly seek out his paintings, drawn to the elegance and sophistication they convey.
Christensen has painted many of the Napa Valley wines and is a celebrated Wine Country Artist. He is Self-taught, and invented a watercolor technique that allows him to create images of vibrant color that go beyond the look and depth of a high quality photograph. Christensen is the only known artist capable of hyper-realism through the use of standard watercolor.
By pushing watercolor paint to its absolute limits, Christensen has invented a new way to paint with this traditional medium. Using non-standard watercolor paper and employing a dry brush technique, Eric starts out with thin washes then builds meticulously to over 30 subsequent layers of paint. Eric's technique allows him to achieve much stronger colors and shadows than can be found with traditional watercolors.
What sets Christensen apart is not only his technical skill but also his deep understanding of his subject matter. He is not merely painting wine; he is telling a story – of the vineyards where grapes are grown, of the wineries where they are transformed into wine, and of the moments shared among friends and loved ones as they savor each sip.
In the world of wine and art, Eric Christensen stands as a true master, his paintings serving as a testament to the beauty and complexity of both. Through his art, he invites us to pause, savor the moment, and appreciate the richness of life's experiences.