Eric was born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and raised in Laren (N.H.). The village was made famous by the “Larensche School” of landscape painters (such as Jozef Israels and Anton Mauve) who flocked there because of its vibrant purple heather and silver birches. Later, Eric studied traditional printmaking techniques at Atelier Mashuff in Brussels, Belgium, before studying at Philadelphia College of Art, where he graduated with a BFA in printmaking. Today, Eric’s studio practice is primarily focused on drawing and painting.

His prints are in the permanent collection of the Free Library of Philadelphia among others. His figurative paintings are in private collections as well as in the collection of Thomas Jefferson University, where he was honored with the annual commission of outstanding faculty members (a tradition dating back to Thomas Eakins) titled Herr Doctor Behrend. His work has been shown in national juried shows at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, University of the Arts, and he has won numerous ‘best in show’ awards such as the Fleisher Art Memorial spring annual, the Long Beach Island Arts Foundation’s annual plein air show, and the annual Masonic Library and Museum show. Eric exhibits his work in the U.S. and The Netherlands.

Eric has taught at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), West Chester University and Philadelphia College of Art.