Award-winning local artist Brent Erickson, based in Alexandria, VA, has spent over 30 years building a personal collection of representational art, sparked by a single landscape purchase from emerging painter T. Allen Lawson. Erickson, an oil painter himself, curates his collection—now over 100 paintings and bronzes—around realism and personal passion, displaying works in his Mount Vernon home alongside his own new paintings. He recently hosted a celebration of autumn to unveil both his collection and his latest creations.
This story matters because it highlights the symbiotic relationship between creating and collecting art, showing how an artist’s own practice can deepen their appreciation for others’ work. Erickson’s journey from congressional staffer to dedicated collector and painter offers practical advice for new collectors—focus on quality, affordability, and daily enjoyment—while underscoring the value of supporting emerging artists. It also reflects the vibrant local art scene in the Washington, D.C. area.