Helen and Paris

Eric Armusik’s, (b. 1973)  classical figurative paintings reflect the spirit and passionate storytelling of the old masters and are a declaration of the dramatic power of representational art. The origin of his inspiration does not lie in academia, but rather his childhood, surrounded by the vivid paintings he saw in Gothic cathedrals as a child. This influence not only inspired his love of religious subject matter but ignited a passion for the painted narrative.

Armusik’s large figurative oil paintings are painted on smooth wooden or aluminum panels in the manner of 17th C. Baroque artists like Caravaggio. His paintings are rendered in a deep chiaroscuro where light illuminates the figure and heightens the complex emotional range of his characters. The dramatic work, which often focuses on unrequited love, betrayal or acts of heroic martyrdom, focuses primarily on the drama and power of the captured moment. It is Armusik’s unique gift of amplifying his character’s struggles through a soulful gaze, a sensual gesture or the implied gasp before death that is both extremely powerful and visually poetic. 

In 1991, Eric attended Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a B. F. A. in painting, with a minor in an art history focusing on Baroque art. He is recognized by the Art Renewal Center as an Associate Living Master. Currently, he’s an Artist Ambassador for Jerry’s Artarama and regularly demos and reviews their art materials.   

In September 2016, Eric began his largest project to date. He’ll be painting 40 large 4ft x 5ft panels of Dante’s Inferno with the assistance of renowned Dante Scholar, Christopher Kleinhenz.  A book of the paintings, along with in-depth narratives by Professor Kleinhenz, will be published once the series is completed. 

Eric's work has been exhibited in the Salmagundi Art Club and the National Arts Club in New York and his artwork has been featured in such publications as The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, American Artist, American Art Collector, Fine Art Connoisseur and the Chicago Tribune. Eric is married to novelist, Rebekah Armusik, and they have three beautiful children.