Erik Skoldberg Artist in Del Mar

Erik Skoldberg is painting the town red—and a host of other colors. The San Diego artist’s work is on display at the Merrill Lynch Building downtown, and is also featured in famed art dealer Alexander Salazar’s La Jolla and downtown galleries.

Skoldberg, a San Diego native and University of San Diego graduate, said his work is heavily influenced by his own experiences. His use of bright colors and broad strokes leave a lasting impression.

"I want to build a collection that connects my travels, experiences and Mother Nature, and take a view into that world of emotional harmony," he said.

[ 108 x 60 inches - Grey and cadmium ]

Skoldberg’s journey into art began at a young age. His mother, Gloria Skoldberg, has been teaching art for more than 30 years and operates the Skoldberg Art Academy in San Diego. Erik said he was fascinated by colors, color theory and the impact color can have.

His work is typically done in an open-air setting. Using pictures from his travels, Skoldberg will look for color combinations that "most effectively carry out my image and fuse appropriately.

"Once my colors are determined, my dance of brush strokes begins," he said.

[ 72 x 36 inches Marine, green, red oxide, umber, yellow ]

If the colors from his work seem familiar, it’s because they are. Skoldberg said he relies on the icy blues of Alaska, the tropical greens of Fiji and the burning reds of a San Diego sunset.

"I am following a road map from my experiences straight to the canvas, and hope the viewer will interpret it individually," he said.

In the summer of 2011, Skoldberg signed with Alexander Salazar Fine Art in San Diego. By the fall, he was featured at the Saving Station 9 charity event at the La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla. Earlier this year, Skoldberg was showcased in a FedEx marketing campaign for the Professional Convention Management Association. His art is in the corporate office and FedEx store in San Diego.

But perhaps Skoldberg’s biggest achievement was his first solo show at the grand opening of Salazar Contemporary Art Exhibits in La Jolla.

[ 72 x 36 inches Ivory, titanium, lime, phthalo, cadmiums ]

"I believe that great artists should also be great individuals, and Erik Skoldberg is passionate about his art and helping others," Salazar said. "He has supported many charitable causes throughout his life by donating his beautiful artwork to various causes. I admire his commitment to painting, which is different than committing to art … he paints from the heart and by this, he gives his works a breath and life of their own."

It’s been a busy year for Skoldberg, and it appears things won’t be slowing down any time soon. His work was featured in the grand opening of the Palomar Hotel, and his unique style seems to fit in San Diego.

"I approach each painting with the same technique," he said. "My strokes and multiple layers are never the same order, causing new dimensions and new forms of expression. My style will continue with new ideas and new constantly changing results. My painting will always evolve."