Untitled, 1954

This plein-air painting, one of many that Eric created during visits to his in-laws’ village in Germany, offers a glimpse into his spontaneous practice. Executed in a sketchbook—its perforated edge still visible at the top—this image captures the pastoral charm of the countryside: fenced cottages, bright green fields, and thatched roofs typical of the rural landscape. The village, rendered with fine linear detail, contrasts with the painterly sky above, where Eric’s quick, expressive strokes expand the composition into a field of light and air.