Eric Rhoads

Eric Rhoads is an American painter and entrepreneur best known for his plein air oil paintings and his role in revitalizing interest in traditional landscape painting in the 21st century. Born in 1956, Rhoads developed his artistic practice through intensive study of light, color, and atmospheric effects, becoming a leading figure in the contemporary plein air movement. His work emphasizes direct observation and spontaneous brushwork, capturing the essence of landscapes across America, from the Rocky Mountains to coastal scenes. Rhoads founded Plein Air Magazine and the Plein Air Easel Auction, instrumental in establishing plein air painting as a major contemporary art movement and market segment. Rhoads' key contributions include his development of a distinctive approach to color harmony and his advocacy for outdoor painting practices that connect artists directly with their subjects. His paintings are characterized by loose, expressive brushwork and a focus on the transient effects of natural light. Through his publishing ventures, educational initiatives, and prominent auctions, Rhoads has influenced an entire generation of contemporary landscape painters. His lasting influence extends beyond his own body of work to include the democratization and commercialization of plein air painting, making it one of the most accessible and popular painting movements in contemporary American art.