PreOccupied with E. Dale Erickson March 3, 2012

ArtZone 461 is pleased to announce the Gallery's first solo exhibition of works by Bay Area realist E. Dale Erickson.

Dale Erickson (as he's known) is one of San Francisco's most skilled contemporary realist painters. At the same time his works are more familiar with individuals, galleries and other artists than with the general public. Actually, the works haven't been promoted over the years, including by the artist himself.

Dale Erickson's paintings, drawings and prints chronicle his thirty-plus years in San Francisco. His subjects are colorful streets, interesting people from the City, his U.S. and world travels, as well as a wide variety of still lifes. Here is an artist who has stayed true to his calling, dedicated to realism.

While exploring various series of works over several years, Dale Erickson reveals a consistent handling and individual style. In his approach, the dance of color and light expose a traditional, formal treatment of composition. At the same time formality is expressed quietly and uniquely in the casual elegance Dale imbues in most of his works.

"Formality" and "traditional" have been tag words in describing and critiquing Erickson. "Personal" is a more accurate description. This is evident in the artist's portraits of friends and family, particularly those of his mother during her illness. These images examine and convey feelings of isolation and loneliness. Others examine more carefully color, light and composition. Sometimes referred to as being "stiff" the reality is his images reflect true representations. They confirm Erickson's dedication to real realism.

The works in this show are an overview of subjects and series. There is a strong reference to another (iconoclastic) painter, Charles Griffin Farr, a true American realist.

Dale received his 1964 BFA in painting from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an M.A. in printmaking from San Francisco State University in 1974.

Reception for the artist: 5-8 pm Saturday March 3, 2012