Wildlife artist and conservationist Eric Jepson developed a passion for art and the outdoors during his childhood. A California native, Jepson was raised on the scenic coastline of the Monterey Peninsula, which became the early inspiration for his painting. Drawing and painting wildlife in childhood received enthusiastic encouragement from his parents and teachers. Jepson’s college education at Oregon State University, in Corvallis Oregon (located in the heart of the Willamette Valley along the Pacific Flyway for Migrating waterfowl) intensified his passion for the art of the outdoors. He often spent his free time viewing and sketching ducks and geese at Finley Wildlife Refuge, just a short drive from campus.
Graduating from Oregon State University with a degree in graphic design in 1994, Jepson has spent the majority of his professional career as a designer, creating identities, advertisements, brochures, and packaging for firms large and small. His work has included creative design for corporations such as Nike and Monterey Pasta Company. He currently co-owns Blu Creative a design & marketing in Salinas, California.
In 2004 Jepson’s talents were honored as Ducks Unlimited’s Sponsor Artist for California and Alaska. Jepson’s acrylic paintings, “Fall Wood Duck” and “Bull Sprig at Dusk placed high in the standings in the U.S. Federal Duck Competition, a competition referred to as the Olympics of wildlife art that he believes he will one day win.
Jepson is inspired by the works of many wildlife artists such as Robert Bateman, Dan Smith, David Maass, Sherrie Russell Meline, Robert Steiner, the Hautman Brothers and Neal Anderson to name a few. “Lighting is so important in my paintings and it is an aspect of my art I’m always trying to improve. Its what brings the art to life.”, states Jepson. Jepson prefers to view and photograph waterfowl in the wild, however getting close up photos in the wild can be challenging, so he also frequents wild bird exhibits which allows him to capture detailed photos for reference.
Eric and his wife, Molly, publish and distribute his limited edition prints nationally through Jepson Fine Art. In his small amount of spare time, Eric enjoys the outdoors, hunting, fishing, mountain biking and photographing his adventures. He continues to be a member of Ducks Unlimited and California Waterfowl Association and has donated his art for conservation fund raising to various conservation organizations including Ducks Unlimited, California Waterfowl Association and California Deer association. Eric currently resides in Salinas, California where he paints at his home studio, raises his three girls, and continues to design and manage for Blu Creative.