After completing his apprenticeship Eric was employed as the sole sign artist for a large Brewery Co. in Nottingham where he produced pictorial swing signs and general signage, mainly all done in 23crt gold leaf. Some years later Eric decided to switch his career and become Studio Manager for a large group of Fashion Stores in the Midlands, producing point of sale advertising for over one hundred stores within the group. Of an evening Eric would paint portrait commissions of local dignitaries, including a portrait of the Queen and Sir Winston Churchill requested by the local Conservatory Party.

Some eighteen years later he decided to form his own company, in pictorial signage and point of sale advertising. It was during this time that a contract to work in Florida, USA, producing 60 x 20ft murals for the film industry, would change Eric's life forever. During this time Eric decided to concentrate totally on wildlife painting. Arriving in Australia in 1980 with his wife and family he became a member of the Wildlife Art Society of Australasia where he received many of the top awards in their annual wildlife art shows.

In the early years Eric would use an Air Brush to give the out of focus illusions for his backgrounds. For the past 15yrs his work has been reproduced in calendars and greeting cards, painted in water colours and gouache. His work is now mainly done in oils or acrylics on conservation canvas board, working from field studies and photographs.

Eric was inspired by international artists Basil Ede, Robert Bateman, and Raymond Harris Ching. His work is held in many private collections around the world, providing the serious collector and nature lover with a cherished work of art. Eric believes that if he has projected some of his inspirations and emotions to the viewer, then his work is wholly worthwhile.

Send your comments to ericshepherd@richfieldvillage.com.au