Tonight was my last lesson of shodo (Japanese calligraphy) and my final project was a kanji postcard.  I chose the kanji: 園 which means "Garden".
  I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to study this traditional art form with a true master, Ms. Denri Takai.  It's so important to keep these practices alive and to study them directly.
  For me, I loved learning about how to use the brush by watching Denri.  As a teacher myself, I try my best to put it into works, but I've found that a lot of painting is beyond words.  Taking a class in person allowed me to watch Denri and for her to guide my hand as I practiced.  This artform is very deep (philosophically and technically) and I have a whole new appreciation for the craft of it.  I wonder if it's really possible to make a "perfect" stroke with the brush?  Maybe, but I still believe that perfection is an illusion.
  Also, to be a student again was like a breath of fresh air.  It actually felt great to be a frustrated beginner!  And I feel like this way of painting will have an impact on my own work, especially my watercolors.  The power and directness of a single brushstroke will resonate in any form of painting.
  I hope to motivate everyone out there to try something new and to take a class to support teachers.  Not just art, but language, writing, sports--It could be anything!  Personally, I would love to take a pottery wheel course sometime in the near future also...
  Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there!

  I wanted to share a few memories of one of my favorite teachers, Professor Patrick Connors.  Unfortunately Prof. Connors passed about two years ago, but I remember him as an inspiring artist and teacher at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA).
  I was fortunate to have Prof. Connors as a teacher during my time at PAFA (2009 - 2013).  Throughout that time, I became close with him and even sat for an oil portrait study that he painted at his home studio in Philadelphia.  I remember that day very well as he welcomed me into his own, chatted with me as I sat for a small portrait and then we had a nice lunch together.
  Prof. Connors was always generous with his time, guidance and also his supplies.  I still have a tube of paint (I believe it's Pompeii red from Williamsburg) that Prof. Connors gave me, amongst other painting supplies.  As a poor and hungry art student, these gifts were meaningful and encouraging.
  Prof. Connors' classes were a highlight of my time at PAFA.  I can still hear his guidance as he advised us to use our brushes "like pistols".  Each brush stroke followed by a "reloading" of paint.  Once I became an upperclassman, Prof. Connors would visit my private studio and go over my work carefully while sharing advice and wisdom.  Those days were very formative for me and also instilled a love of art history into my education.
  The last time I spoke with him was a few years ago and he was helping me network with more opportunities.  He was always supportive, encouraging and willing to share information.  
  I will deeply miss Professor Connors, but he set a great example of how to be as both an artist and as a teacher.

  Here is a video overview of my upcoming 2025 plein air painting tour which will be in and around Rome!  This is a great opportunity to visit, paint, sketch and learn more about these beautiful ancient sites and gardens.
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More Info:
https://www.gardentours.com/tours/italian-landscapes-and-gardens-art-tour-rome-tivoli-and-the-castelli-romani/

Here's a quick video painting tip about capturing light and color en plein air!  Reserve your spot now for this beautiful plein air painting tour in the south of France!
​https://www.instagram.com/paintawaytours/reel/DCE_20_tj01/

For more info about this tour and to book, Visit:
https://www.paintawaytours.com/event/oil-painting-in-southern-france-w-eric-santoli-14/register
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📅 May 21-28, 2025 |​ ​🌏 Pezenas, France