Elegance & Vibrancy of Life: Art by Oberhauser

Eagle Head Design for the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association's 2018 Newspaper Directory by Eric Oberhauser (1988 - 2018).

Springtime by Eric Oberhauser (2017). Oil on canvas (c. 91.5cm x 121.5cm; c. 36" x 48").

 A tranquil ravine with a footbridge spanning across a creek alongside signs of spring rejuvenation.



Nighttime Village by Eric Oberhauser (2016). Oil on canvas (c. 91.5cm x 121.5cm; c. 36" x 48").

The setting of a quaint village at night was resplendent with shimmering illumination from store fronts, street lamps, a village clock and Memorial, alongside flowing Christmas lights.  

The on-site oil painting was completed in one session outdoors (en plein air) while it was quite cold and the pigments became more viscous as the night transpired.



Muse by Eric Oberhauser (2016). Acrylic on canvas (c.  45.7cm x 61cm; c. 18" x 24").

Muse (Portrait Section) by Eric Oberhauser (2016).

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Moonlit Bridge by Eric Oberhauser (2016). Acrylic on canvas (c.  40.6cm x 50.8cm; c. 16" x 20").

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Swirling Dragon by Eric Oberhauser (2016). Acrylic on canvas (c.  45.7cm x 61cm; c. 18" x 24").

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Invented Mask by Eric Oberhauser (2016). Acrylic on canvas (c.  45.7cm x 61cm; c. 18" x 24").

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Colourful Fish by Eric Oberhauser (2016). Acrylic on board (c.  45.7cm x 45.7cm; c. 18" x 18").

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Streetsville Jason by Eric Oberhauser (2015). Oil on canvas (c. 76cm x 101cm; 30” x 40”).

The above original tribute painting portrays 'Streetsville Jason' in a typical pose: sitting on a bench with newspapers while enjoying a cup of Tim Horton's coffee and a cigarette with a pensive expression.

'Streetsville Jason', Ralph Faustino, was an enigmatic fixture of the community for about two decades and he definitely will be missed.  

The composition uses imagination and creativity as it is not based on any particular image.

Streetsville Jason (Portrait Section) by Eric Oberhauser (2015). Oil on canvas  (c. 76cm x 101cm; 30” x 40”).

Streetsville Jason (Hand with Coffee Section) by Eric Oberhauser (2015). Oil on canvas  (c. 76cm x 101cm; 30” x 40”).

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New Design Competition Win!

The winning original artwork creatively depicts MiWay public bus service connections between people and communities in the City of Mississauga.

     Along a surrealistic and movement-oriented 'world stage' luminuous colours reflect MiWay's blue Express line as the sky and orange Local line as the foundation.

   Both contemporary and history structures emerge as swirling motifs when viewed from left to right:

* A bus tire and dashed road lines symbolizing movement

* Square One Shopping Mall with a Canada Flag

*A bicycle on a park path with a park gateway and perched bird

* The iconic 'Marilyn Monroe' Towers

* UTM's (University of Toronto at Mississauga) stone sculpture entrance

*Erin Mills Town Centre's collosal glass sphere

*Mississauga's Civic Centre & parkland

* Port Credit's Lighthouse with waves representing Lake Ontario and the Credit River

* The Mississauga Central Library

* The Living Arts Centre

* The Montreal House (est. 1826) and the Streetsville Village Clock

* Pearson International Airport with a Plane in Flight situated within the boundaries of Mississauga and linked by MiWay blue Express service.

   Within a green eliptical a central message reads "Commute + Connect" with multidirectional arrows on the plus sign.

The invented font style of the word "Mississauga" adopts a bright variety of colours to reflect the city's cultural mosaic.

Connecting Mississauga - MiWay will be featured on 100 MiWay buses for one year.

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Lucy by Eric Oberhauser (2015). Oil on canvas (c. 79cm x 118cm; 31"x 46.5").

A female mallard duck serendipitiously chose to nest in a garden with foliage, stones, and a Japanese bloom with protection along a wall and fence. 

The mallard, named Lucy, dutifully nestles upon her eggs covered by soil and her own feathers for several days so far.

While painting en plein air Lucy appeared completely at ease and silently tended to her nest, which was covered in varying amounts of down feathers.

It was a special painting opportunity in early May.

 Lucy (Mallard Nesting) by Eric Oberhauser (2015).

 

 Lucy (Japanese Bloom Section) by Eric Oberhauser (2015).

Lucy (Stone Section) by Eric Oberhauser (2015).

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Spring by Eric Oberhauser (2014). Oil on canvas (c. 76cm x 101.5cm; 30"x 40").

As Spring displays its reinvigorating spirit of renewed growth and life, a natural setting of tranquility along a riverside reflects the arrival of the new season. 

 Spring (Riverside with driftwood section) by Eric Oberhauser (2014). Oil on canvas (c. 76cm x 101.5cm; 30" x 40").

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Coastal Waves by Eric Oberhauser (2013). Oil on canvas  (c. 61cm x 91.5cm; 24" x 36").

With a swirling and roaring movement, coastal waves collide at dawn's daylight creating a natural harmony.

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 Bridge across Pond by Eric Oberhauser (2013). Oil on canvas (c. 76cm x 101.5cm; 30"x 40").

 An idyllic and serene bridge spanning across a resplendent pond creates an abundance of brilliant colours, tones, and shimmering reflections. This alla prima technique composition was painted outdoors on site.

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Leslie Legacy by Eric Oberhauser (2013). Oil on canvas (c. 76cm x 101.5cm; 30"x 40").

  A sunny day shortly before the end of autumn seemed to be an ideal opportunity to depict the Leslie Log House.

   The original white cedar log home dates back to 1826. The Leslie family, immigrants from Scotland to then Upper Canada, created this wonderfully unique home. The log home was moved to its current location, surrounded by orchards and foliage, in 1994.

   The Leslie Log House represents one of the most historic sites in the city today, and is one of the few surving and well-presevered log homes from the early nineteenth century.

   Its distinctive structural features include dovetail log joints, a Neo-Classical-styled front entrance, a low sloping roof, and having been constructed as a one-and-a-half storey dwelling.

  Leslie Legacy (Detail section) by Eric Oberhauser (2013). Oil on canvas (c. 76cm x 101.5cm; 30"x 40").

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Wild Apple Path by Eric Oberhauser (2013; Revisited 2017). Oil on canvas (c. 76cm x 101.5cm; 30"x 40").

The unique location for this alla prima composition was quite picturesque: a bygone and rugged wagon cart trail surrounded by vibrant natural scenery including wild and craggily-looking apple trees, meadows of several colourful wild flowers, and an impressive hawk apparently hanging in the sky. 

Wild Apple Lane with Soaring Hawk (Detail of hawk) by Eric Oberhauser (2013).

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Roots of Erosion by Eric Oberhauser (2013). Oil on canvas (c. 76cm x 101.5cm; 30"x 40").

      The painting above depicts actual mature trees along an embankment which has had a substantial amount of erosion on the ground.

    As a result, the uniquely-entangled and bizarrely-shaped copious root systems are clearly revealed along with river stones. The motif seems to evoke a surrealistic, if not otherworldly, image.

   The painting was created outdoors on site using an alla prima technique.

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Nearly Autumn by Eric Oberhauser (2013). Oil on canvas. (c. 76cm x 101.5cm; 30"x 40").

 A bountiful garden's soon-to-be harvested vegetables with unique flowers and trees on a clear day that seems to forecast the autumn season.

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  A Mediaeval Portrait [Envisioned Portrayal of Matheus Scriniano of Rome by Eric Oberhauser (2013) based on a stylized linear inscription from the Middle Ages (1313 AD)]. A Seven-Hundredth Anniversary Portrait. Oil on canvas (c. 50.5cm x 41cm; c. 20" x 16").

      For this oil painting above I coincidentally discovered a linear and highly stylized inscription of a Medieval portrait of a man from the year 1313 AD (Source: G. Fiesciji & G. Davies (1916). Renascence The Sculptured Tombs of the Fifteenth Century in Rome).

   The stark simplicity of the drawing captivated me to imagine, based on the elegant drawing, how this person may have appeared. So, I carefully drew the image on the canvas while striving to maintain the likeness (albeit limited) as much as possible with corresponding flesh tones and garments.  To me it is fascinating to imagine how this person lived exactly 700 years ago: what may have been his philosophies, beliefs, daily standards of living, political duties working for a Roman Senator named Luca Saveilli in the Middle Ages, and so forth?

 

 Immediate above: Original linear sketch from the Tomb of Matheus Scriniano, detail, floor of the Aracoeli in Rome (1313 AD).



Close-Up of A Mediaeval Portrait [Envisioned Portrayal of Matheus Scriniano of Rome from the Middle Ages (1313 AD)] by Eric Oberhauser (2013). Oil on canvas (50.5cm x 41cm; c. 20" x 16").

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  Blue Lake – White Forest by Eric Oberhauser (2013). Oil on board. (c. 61cm x 91.5cm; 24"x 36").

An idyllic natural setting of luminous colours: a pristine azure lake surrounded by golden rushes, green reeds, and a stark forest of white trees against a backdrop of seemingly endless mountains. 

Lucy by Eric Oberhauser (2015). Oil on canvas (c. 79cm x 118cm; 31"x 46.5").

Angel Baby: Portrait of Ms. Rosie Hamlin (Commemorating her song) by Eric Oberhauser (2012). Acrylic on canvas (c.  54cm x 72cm; c. 21.25" x 28.25").

    The above portrait depicts the singer-songwriter Ms. Rosie Hamlin. She composed and recorded a sublime song called "Angel Baby" in 1960 - 1961 with her group Rosie and the Originals.

   Given the beautiful and original melody and title of Rosie's song, which reached Number One on the Charts in 1961, I thought it would be a suitable idea to depict Ms. Rosie Hamlin as an angel. The portrait is based on a circa 1965 photo.

   Connecting with the angelic theme, a halo was added around Ms. Rosie Hamlin's portrait.

Angel Baby: Portrait of Ms. Rosie Hamlin [Portrait Section] by Eric Oberhauser (2012). 

     I strove to create an otherworldly mood via the chosen colour palette, particularly along the wings, dress, and atmospheric background.

    I was delighted to learn that Ms. Rosie Hamlin enjoyed the likeness and painting. Rosie's song, "Angel Baby", is one of my favourite tunes.

Angel Baby: Portrait of Ms. Rosie Hamlin [Hand's Section] by Eric Oberhauser (2012). 

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Above (left-to-right): Mr. Brad Butt, former Member of Parliament (Mississauga-Streetsville), and the former Prime Minister of Canada, the Right-Honourable Mr. Stephen Harper, Ottawa (February 2012). Photo courtesy of Mr. Brad Butt.

Equanimity: Portrait of the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right-Honourable Mr. Stephen Harper by Eric Oberhauser (2011). Oil on canvas (c. 71cm x 76cm; c. 28”x 30”).

     In late April 2011 I had the distinct honour of meeting the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right-Honourable Mr. Stephen Harper, by chance in Mississauga. This extraordinary encounter inspired me to create an oil portrait of him.

    The composition depicts the Prime Minister of Canada semi-formally leaning against a pillar and/or archway with a pensive yet contented expression in front of Parliament Hill’s Peace Tower in Ottawa.

    The focal point of the portrait, the facial section, was produced via an amalgamation of several photos I had taken while meeting the Prime Minister in late April 2011 as well as my memories of him. It was my goal to create a natural and spirited portrayal while at the same time depicting a strong likeness of the Prime Minister.

    In terms of compositional design, a pronounced verticality and dimensionality was established with the pillar and/or archway, the stone archway, and the Peace Tower positioned at various levels of depth.

    Also, my colour palette was deliberately light, bright, and vivid for this portrait as a means of realizing the positive mood of the composition. To accentuate the grandeur of the Peace Tower a slight ‘triangulation’ (three-point perspective) was incorporated (i.e. as though the viewer is looking directly upwards from the ground level).

    It was a true honour for me to have the portrait presented to the Prime Minister in Ottawa via the kind and remarkable logistical help of Mr. Brad Butt in February 2012. I was delighted to hear positive feedback on the painting.

[Below]: Equanimity: Portrait of the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right-Honourable Mr. Stephen Harper (Central Section) by Eric Oberhauser (2011).

[Above]: Equanimity: Portrait of the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right-Honourable Mr. Stephen Harper (Peace Tower section) by Eric Oberhauser (2011). 

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Emergent Intrigue by Eric Oberhauser (2012). Oil on board (c. 61cm x 91.5cm; 24" x 36").

Emergent Intrigue [Central section] by Eric Oberhauser (2012). Oil on board (c. 61cm x 91.5cm; 24"x 36").

         For my most recent oil painting I depicted a friend's daughter who enjoys dancing, acting, and fashion modeling.

      The composition was rather dramatic with a strong light contrast and an enchanting pose.

      Viewers have mentioned that an atmosphere of intrigue and mystique has been created with the engaging and poignant expression and the stark contrast of light and dark tones.

      As the original background was completely dark or black, I decided to make it more artistic by adding various subtle tones of dark pigments, varied brushstrokes, and some degree of light diagonally shining through the darkness.

      I was pleased to have captured her likeness and hopefully conveyed her vivacious spirit as well --- Eric Oberhauser (April - May 2012).

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The Tree Pruner by Eric Oberhauser (2012). Oil on board. (c. 61cm x 76cm; 24"x 30").

     A few branches are carefully pruned atop a ladder on a bright and sunny day to encourage optimal tree and fruit growth in the new year.

The Tree Pruner by Eric Oberhauser (Figure section) (2012). Oil on board. (c. 61cm x 76cm; 24"x 30").

The Tree Pruner by Eric Oberhauser (Tree section) (2012). Oil on board. (c. 61cm x 76cm; 24"x 30").

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Port Credit: A Dazzling Waterway Community by Eric Oberhauser (May 2012).

         After researching and recently visiting Port Credit (Mississauga), I marveled at its natural splendor. Visitors enjoyed its waterfront and naturalness that included boating, rowing, fishing, and cycling.

      It became clear that both the historic and contemporary community of Port Credit center on its vital waterways for tourism and commerce.

     A plethora of vibrant activities depend on the precious resource of water: shipping, fishing, the marina, canoeing, and boating. One key symbol is its lighthouse. Although a replica today, it nonetheless represents a beacon of hope, guidance, strength, and mirrors a maritime legacy.

      An idea came to me:  a recognizable lighthouse would fittingly symbolize Port Credit’s hallmark waterways while adding a golden, rotating, paddle-shaped propeller at the level of its light beacon. This windmill-like propeller with a light would reflect energetic maritime activities, a natural windiness along the shore, and engage the senses especially via its movement.

     Also, the structure would emphasize verticality in design. Stylized waves of lively swirling water would be at the base with leaping salmon and a silhouetted person fishing in a boat reminiscent of the Port Credit Salmon Derby. All colours would be quite bright and some metallic.



[Top Section]: Port Credit: A Dazzling Waterway Community  by Eric Oberhauser (May 2012).

 [Bottom Section]: Port Credit: A Dazzling Waterway Community by Eric Oberhauser (May 2012).

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A Colourful Moment by Eric Oberhauser (2012). Acrylic on canvas (c. 61cm x 76cm; 24"x 30").

    This most recent oil painting presented an interesting task. A friend of mine requested me to paint her portrait in a traditional Japanese Yukata dress, which was quite colourful. I strove to depict my friend's positive expression and disposition while immersed in sunlight.

    For the surrounding areas I incorporated an historic Japanese pagoda. Japan's oldest three-storied pagoda, built in 706 AD, is located at Hokki-ji, Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture.

   A mature fir tree with swaying branches is pruned in a traditional bonsai fashion. 

   Blossoming Japanese flowers can be seen in the foreground along with lively foliage.

   The diagonal compositon of the painting emphasizes the central subject as well as creating a sense of depth.



Central Section of A Colourful Moment by Eric Oberhauser (2012). 

Japanese Flower Section of A Colourful Moment by Eric Oberhauser (2012). 

Pagoda & Tree Section of A Colourful Moment by Eric Oberhauser (2012). 

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Renewed Growth by Eric Oberhauser (2012). Oil on canvas (c. 45cm x 60cm; or 18"x 24").    

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Sunny Skyline of Mississauga by Eric Oberhauser. Oil on canvas (c. 91.5 cm x 122cm; 36" x 48").

    In the above and below landscape oil painting I visited a well-situated park and used direct observation to depict the burgeoning skyline and development of the city of Mississauga. The adopted painting technique was alla prima and 'En plein air' (outdoor painting).

   The weather was quite warm for mid-March with lots of sunshine. 

   The following major structures can be seen (from left to right): the new and iconic Absolute World Towers (Tower 1 is better known as the 'Marilyn Monroe' Tower); the grandeur of One Park Tower Condos, the Mississauga Civic Centre (City Hall); the Daniels' Capital "Twin" Towers (North and South Towers); and several other large condominiums.

   As of March 2012 a number of large buildings remain under construction, and are frequently covered with cranes.

   A friend recently viewed an image of this landscape and remarked that the sky appeared reminiscent of Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night (1889). 

   Although I was not thinking about Starry Night at the time of painting, I can understand the analogy with the swirling shapes of the clouds (albeit my painting reflected the sunny daytime conditions without any constellations). Nonetheless, it was a flattering comparison for me to hear.

Sunny Skyline of Mississauga (left-hand section) by Eric Oberhauser (2012).

From left to right: The 'Marilyn Monroe' Towers; One Park Tower Condos; Mississauga Civic Centre (City Hall); and Capital Twin Towersm (North & South Towers).

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Players of the Tatras by Eric Oberhauser (2011). Oil on canvas (c. 61cm x 91cm; c. 24" x 36").

      Enthusiastic accordionists pursue their vocation along the “Tatras” mountain range of Slovakia. Both musicians don traditional Slovak heritage clothing for the occasion with colourful folk art designs of a bygone era as they pass the day away in music and song. 

     One of my goals for this painting was to capture the liveliness of the moment in a natural setting while juxtaposing the two colourful figures. The oil painting was completed using an alla prima technique.

Central section of Players of the Tatras by Eric Oberhauser (2011).

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 The Lively Credit River by Eric  Oberhauser (2011). Oil on canvas (c. 76cm x 102cm; 30" x 40").

   On a beautiful day outside I decided to paint a landscape with my easel. After some traveling and scrutiny I stumbled upon an intriguing location along the Credit River in Mississauga.

   In one afternoon, the above alla prima oil painting was completed from direct observation along the banks of the Credit River.

   It depicts the natural scenery in perspective with a lone seagull perched atop a weathered stone in the middle of the river. The bridge anchors the composition along the horizon.

   I chose to use free swaying, organic and colourful brushstrokes as a means of reflecting the ever-changing movements of the trees and waterway.

   Later in the afternoon two large wild deer gingerly crossed the Credit River from the other vantage point. Their graceful strides in the water appeared majestic, and reinforced the splendid nature that can still be found in Mississauga today.

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 Bowl of Satsuma Oranges by Eric Oberhauser (2011). Oil on canvas (61 cm by 31 cm; 24"x 12").

   For the above still-life I aimed at creating a rather unique composition that would focus on simplicity in subject matter and setting. I used an alla prima technique from direct observation.

   The oil painting depicts a simple bowl of fresh Satsuma oranges from a local supermarket. Crisp green leaves are still connected to the fruit. The Japanese wooden bowl provided a pleasing balance along with soft shadowing effects. The subject matter reminded me of the Christmas season.

Central section of Bowl of Satsuma Oranges by Eric Oberhauser (2011).

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Robbie by Eric Oberhauser (2011). Oil on canvas (c. 50.5cm x 41cm; 20"x 16").

    The above commissioned oil painting was my first pet portrait. The main subject was an adorable small dog named Robbie. A request was made to add a wreath somehow in the background. After careful reflection, I conjured up a Christmas wreath placed above and behind Robbie along with cones and a draping red bow for the season. The positioning and shape of the garland acts like a halo around the beloved dog with his written name balancing the composition.

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