Eric Alexander Santoli – 2026
When I tell people that I’m a painter, sometimes they ask how much I charge to paint a three bedroom house. “No, no,” I say, “I paint pictures.” I also teach, travel and last year began hosting a series on PBS called Eric En Plein Air.
Painting as a career choice can be difficult to explain but painting itself is a very simple activity; we take paint with a brush and put it on a surface. Painting can be deceptive because of this simplicity. On a deeper level, painting transforms us into innovators, scientists, poets, craftspeople; we travel, share ideas and are always searching for inspiration. We are many things rolled into one, but above all I’d say painters are explorers.
When I was young, in school, I used to stare out of the window and imagine all sorts of adventures going on outside. I felt like there was something that I was missing by being indoors. I just wanted to see what else was in the world. Like a lot of kids, I liked drawing and it transitioned into oil painting as I became a teen. I’m not exactly sure when I first began painting outdoors, but my paint box became my vehicle for exploration. I used to dream about traveling and seeing things to draw and paint. It became my mission to see as many new places as I could.
And still, my favorite thing is to go somewhere that I’ve never been before. Painting en plein air is a great reason to go somewhere new. I love teaching workshops with new artists who can experience this feeling for the first time. The feeling is one of total freedom.
As a teacher, my first job was teaching art history and I always love sharing information about the history of plein air painters. The early plein air painters were explorers and true pioneers. Artists like J.M.W. Turner or Asher B. Durand stepped out of the studio after the invention of the paint tube C.1840 (forgive me for listing just two out of many great artists). I always encourage students to study this history because it gives us an appreciation of what we can do today.
We have the ability to drive or fly to virtually anywhere we’d like to go. And our painting supplies have never been more lightweight and streamlined. I’m always amazed by the technology and I use and recommend the u.go Pochade Box by New Wave Fine Art Products – I focus on using products like theirs because they’re made in USA and the quality is top notch. With easels like this, all I need is the desire to go out and paint. With all of these amazing tools and products, the world is open for us.
But sometimes it can be intimidating to go outdoors and paint. I also feel this way and I think it’s a normal feeling as we try new things and go to new places. Before a trip, I can become nervous or worried about small issues. This can be especially true when flying with oil paints (review airline regulations before traveling!). Over time, I’ve learned that the nerves will pass and I’ll be okay as long as I take that first step. As explorers, we are always learning. Many of my major life lessons and philosophies have been learned through painting. It has sharpened my vision and led me to study topics that I probably wouldn’t have studied otherwise. I’m always amazed how the world looks if I take time to really observe it. My life has been expanded by painting and I see it as a fountain that will never dry up.
Painting itself is also an experimentation. I’m never quite sure how a painting will turn out or even where I’ll set up to paint! And like most experiments, I’ll say that my paintings don’t usually turn out how I’d like them to. I’m usually happy with one out of ten paintings, but that’s not the reason that I go outdoors to paint. I trust myself to set out and paint with the goal of making a memory. The painting may or may not be visually pleasing, but it’s always a visual key to a memory to relive and enjoy.
In 2023, I had the opportunity to live for 3 months as Artist-in-Residence at Claude Monet’s estate in Giverny, France. I could write for days about the experience, but what makes me happiest is looking at the paintings that I painted in Monet’s garden and immediately being transported back to Giverny. When I look at my paintings, I remember the smells, the temperature, who walked by, what the grass felt like and the entire moment. Art is a way to make and keep these memories.
Sometimes people worry that their art isn’t worthy and then they become discouraged and they stop. I think this is the saddest fate for our creative souls. Remember that there is no right or wrong with painting—it can be whatever you’d like it to be. Painting can be a lifelong passion or a soothing pastime. And it’s easier than ever to find great resources, books, videos, events and other artists to band together with.
If you like watching programs, then you may enjoy watching our Public TV series, Eric En Plein Air. We travel to different locations for each episode and it’s all about art, travel and nature. This is a new adventure for me and I’m very thankful for the amazing people that I work with. As an artist and a teacher, I want to encourage everyone (not just artists) to explore the world by creating art. Whether it’s your backyard or a distant land, bring your paints, take a daytrip, find a hidden spot and go exploring!