About Eric

Using abstract form, color, and texture I paint
​holy moments found in everyday life.

I believe people are hardwired to be creative. If we are indeed made in the image of the Creator, then creativity is an elemental part of our being. So then creating art connects us to our elemental human identity. Painting is a joyful experience for me. I hope my art will evoke joy in you, too.

I'm a husband and father. I am also a retired United Methodist pastor, a former graphic designer, and now,
a joyful artist.
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“You are made in love, by love, and for love.”
― Rev. Alan Storey on the second chapter of Genesis 

​COMMISSIONS

Art for your home or office

I have enjoyed working with clients to create art tailored for their homes and offices. When you contact me for a commission we will discuss your space, colors, style and size needs.  It is always an honor to create art that will be given as a gift for an anniversary, Christmas, wedding, or other occasion. Please contact me here 

If you are local we can arrange delivery to save you shipping cost. Follow me on Instagram @ebartist
​to see my newest work, or on Facebook www.facebook.com/ericbagwellart
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Memories & Motivations

In my fuzziest memories of childhood I'm painting on the floor of my grandmother's studio. I loved watching the watercolors blend and swirl together. Mother Lollie would tack up my doodles right next to her drying landscapes.
Many years later I earned a Bachelor of Fine Art in Design at Auburn University which led to work at ad agencies. In 1993 I answered a call into ministry, and to seminary at Emory University. Over the next 20 years I joyfully served churches in North Alabama. Finally I answered a calling back to art in 2015. Even as a 50-ish-life-long painter I feel like an "emerging artist." And I’m having a blast!

Painting is a joy. Like ministry, it feels like a calling. I aim to capture the way the Spirit is trying to connect with us in vibrant and colorful abstract composition. I hope you sense joy as you look at my art.
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Abstract Series 1: Number 9, 60” x 36” acrylic on canvas,
Eric Bagwell © 2015

"...the divine presence is revealed even in the meaningless workings of daily life. It is in the ordinary, the here-and-now, that God asks us to recognize that the creation is indeed refreshed like dew-laden grass that is "renewed in the morning"... 
― Kathleen Norris, The Quotidian Mysteries: Laundry, Liturgy and Women's Work

ARTIST BIO

• Grew up in Huntsville
• 1991, earned BFA in Graphic Design from
  Auburn University
• Worked in advertising for 2 years in Florence, AL
  and Nashville, TN.
• 1993, discerned a call to ministry, and attended
  Emory University earning a Master of Divinity in 1996
• Ordained as Deacon in 1995, and served as a United Methodist pastor for 20 years in North Alabama
• 2015, retired to pursue a renewed calling to art
• Showed 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019 at the Arts Alive
  Festival in Florence, AL 
• Solo exhibition “Just Maybe…” at the
  Kennedy-Douglas Arts Center, Jan-Feb 2018
• Showed at Panoply 2018, 2019
  - 2018 Merit Award winner 
• Showed at Bluff Park Art Festival, 2018
• Solo exhibit at Uncorked, Huntsville, AL,
  Dec 2018-March 2019
• Featured in Shattered Magazine #558  ||  3/27/2019
  "Painting God Stories" 
• Exhibited at Magic City Art Connection, April 2020
  (virtual festival due to Covid-19)

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