Bart Rush, 2011
S O L D
Bart Rush
2011
Oil on Masonite
11"w x 14 "h
Notes:
Memorial Portrait
TESTIMONIAL:
I met Eric in the fall of 2003. I had the opportunity to visit his home and see his work and studio first hand. I was taken with him and two of his pieces immediately. I purchased them the following year in July 2004. I became friends with him and his family. We have been close ever since...
Over the years, I have seen Eric grow. His work has never ceased to move me and that is why I now have eight of his pieces. It is rare for me to cry when I see a painting but not rare when it comes to Eric's work. I love the emotion in his work. I love its complexity and depth and he was the natural choice to paint a portrait dedicated to my late partner, Bart Rush.
I lost Bart suddenly in the winter of 2011. I had taken a photograph of him the previous summer and showed it to Eric. Somehow this photo, taken on a smart phone was able to be blown up to give Eric the ability to work with Bart's image. In short, Eric brought him back to life for me. He created a portrait that captured the essence of the man I loved and lost. His eyes sparkle and look out from the surface of the work with great intensity and great love and eternity. How can you ever thank someone for bringing back someone you love? There is no answer to that. Thank you Eric for many years of friendship. Thank you for giving me back the man I love and helping me to immortalize him.
I wish you great success!
Brian C. Smeal MD, FACS