Eric Shute, The Cat in Show. Watercolor on watercolor paper, 14.5 x8.25. Image: Courtesy of the artist.

Watercolorist Eric Shute reveals his journey through nature’s beauty, eulogizing the tranquility in a new exhibition.  

BY BY SEAN LEWYES

ST. AUBURN, NEW YORK–Watercolor paintings by Eric Shute, an accomplished artist and instructor from Syracuse, are currently on display at the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn. The exhibition, The Way I See It: Finding Beauty in Unexpected Places, showcases Shute’s talent for capturing nature’s beauty and his mastery of the watercolor medium.

The Way I See It is more than just an exhibition; it’s a journey through Shute’s unique perspective on life and art. Each painting in this collection invites viewers to see the world through the artist’s eyes. They also learn to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, often in the most unexpected places.

In his artist’s statement, Shute explains that his primary muse is the beauty of nature and the natural world. He particularly enjoys painting the calming effect of water, the interplay of light and reflections, and the unique quality of light during late afternoons. According to the artist, the watercolor medium allows him to blend colors seamlessly, creating a soft, atmospheric quality that is characteristic of his work.

Beauty of Nature

Shute’s intention with his paintings, including those in The Way I See It, is to evoke a sense of peace and mindfulness in the viewer. “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.” He adds, “My hope is that my work will bring a sense of calm and serenity to those who view it,” he says. Through his art, he hopes to encourage people to pause, if only for a moment, and appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. Shute’s work serves as a gentle reminder to slow down and take a breath. His paintings encourage people to find solace in the simple yet profound beauty that surrounds us.

Shute’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in his love for the outdoors. He finds inspiration in natural motifs such as rock ledges, trees, streams, and waterfalls. His fascination with the effects of sunlight on these objects is evident in his work. In his watercolor paintings, he skillfully captures the dramatic interplay of light and shadow, bringing his subjects to life on canvas.

Interplay of Light and Shadow

In Corn Crib, Eric Shute skillfully utilizes the white of his watercolor paper to capture the brilliance of the sun, creating a striking contrast. This landscape painting features a corn crib situated at the river’s edge, surrounded by trees and shrubs. Shute employs various shades and tones of green to add depth, guiding the viewer on a journey through the countryside. Particularly captivating is the sharp contrast between the shadow of the shrubs and the bright water, which serves as the focal point of this beautiful watercolor landscape.

Shute’s adept use of sharp contrast as a compositional element is a recurring theme in his landscape paintings. This element is evident in paintings such as Columbus Fountain, Two Lights-Keep Out, and Aqueduct. These works showcase his mastery of light and dark interplay. Additionally, Shute’s skillful manipulation of color composition is evident. In Schoodic Wood Sunset, for example, he employs varying tones of green, blue, and purple to enhance the landscape’s serenity. The interplay of light is once again highlighted. The artist uses this technique to draw the viewer’s eye to the foreground boulder, effectively immersing them in the painting.

Color Composition

While Shute is proficient in painting with oils and acrylics, his favorite medium is watercolor. He praises the fluidity of the medium. He appreciates how it allows him to freely mix colors and create captivating quality in his paintings. But more importantly, he values how watercolor also allows him the freedom to paint outdoors, or “plein air.” He finds the process liberating.

Shute’s preference for plein air painting over painting from photographs stems from his belief. For him, life offers more vibrant and varied colors than a static image. He emphasizes the importance of painting the visual experience rather than simply replicating what is seen. He embraces this challenge wholeheartedly.

In addition to being an accomplished artist, Shute is a dedicated teacher. He imparts his knowledge of watercolor and plein air painting to his students. Shuter helps them develop their skills and unique artistic perspectives. He believes that mastering the fundamentals is essential to creating a successful watercolor painting. Therefore, he takes pride in guiding his students on this creative journey.

Over the years, Shute has continued to evolve as an artist, constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth. His participation in the Plein Air Paint-Out competition in Old Forge, NY, exemplifies his willingness to push himself out of his comfort zone and explore new artistic horizons.

Through his art, Shute strives to evoke a sense of peace and mindfulness in his viewers. He inspires them to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. His work serves as a reminder of the importance of connecting with nature and finding moments of calm in our busy lives.

About Eric Shute

Born and raised in Upstate New York, Eric Shute’s artistic journey began at a young age at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse. He later pursued formal education in art, earning degrees from the State University of New York at New Paltz, Mohawk Community College, and Syracuse University. He has honed his skills through studying painting techniques with renowned artists, further enhancing his mastery of the medium.

Eric Shute’s talent and dedication have been recognized through numerous awards and residencies. His works are displayed in renowned galleries, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in the art world.

The collection of watercolor paintings by Eric Shute reflects his artistry and a deep connection with nature. His ability to translate that connection into stunning works of art is evident in all the paintings on display. His exhibition at the Schweinfurth Art Center is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world. Through his paintings, the artist invites us to see the world through his eyes, finding beauty in unexpected places.

“My hope is that my work will bring a sense of calm and serenity to those who view it.”

— Eric Shute