I’ve chosen to paint 40 panels at 4ft x 5ft with the intent of displaying them together in the most comprehensive and realistic depiction of the poem to date. The reason for the size is simple, I want these images to take on an almost life-sized presence to draw us in body and soul to the world Dante Alighieri created almost 700 years ago. Because this tremendous undertaking requires vast knowledge on the subject of the Divine Comedy to render accurately, I began immediately searching for the most well-known expert. I was thrilled when Professor Christopher Kleinhenz, a world-renowned Dante scholar agreed to assist me in the creation of this series. For the past seven years, we have been working together in the pursuit to create the most accurate visual depiction of the poem. The completion of these paintings will then culminate in a traveling museum exhibition and a large, full-color painting book on the subject narrated by Professor Kleinhenz.
Click here to see the completed panels in this series
The project was progressing well until 2020 when unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic changed life for everyone around the globe. In a great, and unexpected parallel, the pandemic struggles of Dante's time, had reared its head once again. Because of this, opportunities for the show were cancelled, and funding for the project slowed considerably. Fortunately, in late 2020, progress resumed again with the help of two interns which has helped to increase the painting capacity for this series. Since the entire project is self funded, my ability to finish this series depends on the support of collectors and fans just like you. I encourage you to see the six ways to contribute below in order to help me make this epic series of 40 paintings a reality.
How to be a Contributor - 6 Ways to Help
1. Purchase an Original Painting in the Series for Your Art Collection
In order to keep up with the demand for materials and time to paint this ambitious project and to support himself, Eric is selling the original panels in the series for a discounted price. This is a limited time offer. Each painting is 4ft x 5ft on AlumaComp panels, which are aluminum panels with a polyurethane core. They are archival, museum-quality and will not warp or deteriorate. Each collector will have a chance to choose their painting from the entire 40 panel series in the order they contribute to the project. There are several collectors who have contributed so far which have helped get the project started but additional investors will be needed to see this enormous project through to the end.
2. Purchase Limited Edition Prints From the Series
As of October 1, 2021 I will be offering limited edition signed prints for two paintings from the series now that they have been acquired by private collections. Canto 3: Dante and Virgil at the Entrance to Hell and Canto 4: Dante and Virgil Visit the Great Poets from Antiquity in Limbo and Canto 9: Celestial Messenger will be available. As more original paintings sell from the series I will offer other prints as well.
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Celestial Messenger
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Canto 4:
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3. Make a One-time Donation
Click here to make a one-time donation using PayPal.me. Some supporters have opted to make a one time donation to the project. These donations help with the day to day expenses in my studio and help to sustain my household as I take on such a large self-funded series. Thank you for your support.
4. GoFundMe or GiveSendGo Donation
As of 2025 I've introduced two new ways to give to this project - GoFundMe and GiveSendGo. These donations help with the day to day expenses in my studio and help to sustain my household as I take on such a large self-funded series. Thank you for your support.
• Give to the GiveSendGo campaign
5. Support My Patreon Campaign
For as little as $5 you can be a regular contributor to my Dante's Inferno painting project. Your monthly donation will help fund all of the art supplies including paints, brushes, gesso, medium, solvents and other art supplies necessary to help me complete this epic series. There are several levels you can contribute from $5 to $100 a month. Contributors get behind the scenes information about the project and even a one on one video chat about the project. To contribute to my Patreon campaign click here.
5. Purchase Original Drawings and Merchandise
Many collectors have already purchased original drawings from the Dante's Inferno series from my store. Click here to see the current inventory. Aside from preliminary drawings from the series I have a number of charcoal drawings, limited edition prints and two artist books available for purchase. See an example of one of the original drawings below.
Thank You for all of your support!!!
As many of you know, I've embarked on the largest artistic journey of my life in mid 2016 when I decided to paint the most comprehensive series on Dante's Inferno. At the time, the idea seemed impossible. Now, years later, the public is finally starting to understand the scope of what I've taken on. The project continues to be ongoing, even though 2021 was the 700th Anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri, and that I had hoped to be finished by this time, I continue to proceed with this massive undertaking to finish it when the time is right. The support of many companies like Jerry's Artarama, private collectors and everyday people around the world who have contributed to the creation of this series has made it all possible so far. I have 2/3 of the series left to create and I will need your help more than ever to make this epic series a reality. Thank you for all of your support.
