A Life Rooted in the Swedish Landscape

Erik Gustav Idar was born on 13 September 1911, in Västerås, Sweden. He spent much of his life within the same borders where he began, eventually passing away in Västerås on 16 November 1972. His early years were shaped by a family connection to medicine, as the son of Carl Olov Idar Olsson and Elsa Wilhelmina Lönnberg, but his path led him toward the canvas. In 1940, he married the artist Karin Berg-Idar, forming a partnership shared through their mutual dedication to painting.

His education was a series of steps through some of the most important studios of his time. He began his studies at Edward Berggren's school of painting in Stockholm between 1930 and 1931, followed by training under Otte Sköld from 1932 to 1933. These Swedish foundations were later expanded by travels to Paris, where he studied under Marcel Gromaire, Othon Friesz, and Charles Dufresne. This exposure to the European avant-garde allowed him to bring a wider range of expression back to his native landscapes.

The Language of Color and Form

Idar’s work often sought a balance between classical training and the experimental spirit of modernism. He worked primarily with oil, tempera, and watercolor, always aiming to find a way to unite clear forms with a deep action of color. His subject matter was deeply connected to his surroundings, ranging from intimate portraits and figure paintings to the expansive forests of Central Sweden. In his landscapes, he often used broad brushstrokes to capture the rhythm and energy of nature.

One can see his approach in how he handled light and shadow through specific color choices:

• The use of green masses in foliage contrasted against maroon tones in tree trunks.
• A rhythmic composition where surfaces and colors carry as much weight as the subject itself.
• A technique that balances naturalism with a simplified, modernist treatment of form.

Recognition and Legacy

Throughout his career, Idar participated in various exhibitions, including shows at De ungas salong, Gummesons konsthall, and the Swedish General Art Association. His talent was recognized early on when he was awarded the Carl Larsson Scholarship in 1939. Beyond the gallery walls, his art found a place in the public life of Västerås, with decorations appearing in the City Hall and the City Library.

Today, his paintings are held in several significant collections, ensuring that his specific vision of the Swedish landscape remains accessible. His works can be found in:

• Moderna museet
• Statens Museum for Kunst
• Västerås konstmuseum
• Nationalmuseum