The Way I See It:  Finding Beauty in Unexpected Places

March 23 to April 27, 2024

Camp Laundry, by Eric Shute

Eric Shute, an artist and instructor from Syracuse, will showcase two dozen of his watercolor paintings in The Way I See It: Finding Beauty in Unexpected Places, in Schweinfurth’s Gallery Julius. He is a frequent watercolor and plein air teacher at the Schweinfurth, and his classes fill up quickly.

Schweinfurth is hosting a free opening reception for The Way I See It and Made in NY 2024 from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 23. Prize winners in Made in NY will be announced at 3 p.m.

Artist’s Statement

I am inspired by the beauty of nature and the natural world: the calming effect of water, the play of light and reflections of a stream or the quality of light of a late afternoon. The watercolor medium allows me to blend colors and create a soft, atmospheric quality.

My intention with these paintings and all of my work is to evoke a sense of peace and mindfulness, inviting viewers to take a moment to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. My hope is that my work will bring a sense of calm and serenity to those who view it.

About the Artist

Eric Shute was born and raised in Upstate New York and at an early age began his artistic training at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, NY.  Eric holds a degree in education from the State University of New York at New Paltz, a degree in advertising and illustration from Mohawk Community College, and a BFA from Syracuse University.

 In addition to his academic training, Shute studied painting techniques at the Woodstock School of Art with nationally recognized artists Hong Nian Zhang (oil painting), Richard Segalman (advanced watercolor), Jenny Nelson (advanced abstract painting), and Lisa Mackie (water-based Monotype).

Awards and Residencies:

New England Watercolor Society juried show, September 2020
Castle Hill Art Center, Edgewood Farm Residency, Truro, Massachusetts, May 2019
Loring Coleman Award: New England Watercolor Society juried show, September 2018.
Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT. February 2018
Agora Gallery International Art Competition
Syman Art Painters Award: Cooperstown Art Association 2009
Margaret Bevier Wright Memorial Prize Cooperstown Nationals 2015

Galleries and Affiliations:

Central New York Watercolor Society: Signature Member
Cazenovia Watercolor Society
Broad Street Gallery, Hamilton, NY
Smithy Gallery, Cooperstown, NY