Art Studio: Eric Pachner

Article and Photos By LIANE SMITH
Bonita Banner, Thursday, June 7, 2007

About the artist: A member of the Estero Art League, Eric Pachner, 79, picked up a paint brush for the first time since high school about a year ago. "I took some art lessons when I was really young. I didn’t have time to do anything. I completely dropped it," he said. "Whenever I have a little spare time, I paint," Pachner said. Most of his pieces only take a few hours to complete and he does it for fun. "It’s a way of expressing yourself. I’ve always liked to be creative. Whether it was writing, or now it’s art."

Why he started: On a visit to Tampa, Pachner found another "Pachner" in the telephone book and called him up. It turned out that the fellow with the same last name was an artist. "It gave me inspiration to get busy," Pachner said. Both of their father’s were from the same area of Chekloslavakia.

What he paints: "I haven’t found a groove yet," Pachner said. But for now, the newbie artist opens his eyes and appreciates what he sees around him, always looking for that next possible inspiration. After a long life of changing careers, from newspaper to insurance to retail to entrepreneurship, Pachner has found a hobby.

On display: Pachner currently has three pieces on display at the office gallery in Coconut Point on Fashion Drive. "I have a little more talent that I thought. I surprised myself," Pachner said. He said his new hobby has also given him a greater respect for other’s work. "I hope I get better. They say you’re not a painter until you do about a hundred. I’m only about a quarter of the way there," Pachner said.

A beginner’s dream: Pachner has always wanted to attempt portraits. "I don’t know how to express it. It takes real talent. If I can’t do it, I’ll always want to know how. It’s like climbing a mountain because it’s there," he said.

© 2007 Bonita Daily News and The Banner. Published in Bonita Springs, Florida, USA by the E.W. Scripps Co.