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The essence of folk art is to tell a story about the people, the culture, and their history in a unique way. Eric has been painting folk art for over 20 years, visiting famous cities like Paris, London, Sydney, Venice, and Bermuda. But since the world is much bigger, see what other cities you recognize in the painting that only you might know like, Whistler, Bristol, and Peggy’s Cove. Become a traveler and experience the stories only through Eric’s folk art in the Best of the World.

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Every Fall near the Sandia mountains of New Mexico balloon enthusiasts gather from all over the world to witness something spectacular. Rising high into the air, and then making their way back to their launch site (with help from the box winds) these balloonists compete in various contests of skill and navigation. Be a part of the fun and see who happens to be piloting the balloons in this brightly-colored painting.

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More than any other image, "Noah's Ark" has catapulted Eric to the forefront of American Folk Art. This basic Bible message continues to delight fans year after year. As one of our most popular puzzles, this image is full of fun pop culture references and colorful animals. It is also available for purchase as a print, wonderful for hanging in a child's bedroom or playroom.

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The word “mall” in the 17th and 18th century simply meant a grassy area for people to attend social gatherings and entertainment. That is why it’s called the Washington D.C. National Mall. Its nickname, “America’s Front Yard” is appropriate because over 30 monuments, memorials and museums surround visitors, inspiring them to honor America’s past, live in the present, and strive for a greater future. You might recognize some of your favorite monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, the WWII Memorial, and Arlington Cemetery. Don’t forget about some fun hidden easter eggs like Eric’s classic rooster and goose you can find in this fun folk art puzzle!

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Building a bridge that connected Manhattan to Brooklyn was impossible, unthinkable even, but not for John Roebling. Inspired by his experience when his ferryboat got stuck in the middle of the river because of ice, Roebling saw this as a worthy challenge and began preparations. Brilliant at civil engineering, he had designed and successfully built smaller suspension bridges all around America, helping his cause to convince others about the benefits for building over the East River. After thirteen years of many struggles and drawbacks, The Brooklyn Bridge was finished on May 24, 1883. Today, it stands both as an icon of the New York skyline and a testament of America’s will in tackling the impossible, no matter what the obstacle. The bridge is one of America’s oldest and spans over a mile long and is a hub for many locals and tourists alike. See which of Eric’s classic Easter eggs you can find like Wendy the goose and New York’s giant pizza slices.

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Feel the night come aglow in this beautiful painting of the nativity. Shepherds, livestock and wise-men reverence this historical scene as an angel heralds the birth of the Savior.

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Step back into ancient Egypt, where one of the greatest biblical stories takes place with a pharaoh, a prophet, miracles, and plagues. The Pharaoh during this time began to fear the Hebrew slaves. Since their numbers grew day by day, he ultimately commanded that all the firstborn Israelite boys be killed. With divine help, a baby named Moses survived, eventually becoming a prophet performing God’s wonders in order to deliver the Hebrew people out of bondage. Relive the unforgettable story of Moses in folk art style.

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Located between Ontario and New York, Niagara Falls is an iconic tourist destination. With a vertical drop of over 165 feet, the falls have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world. In this painting, Eric captures tourists enjoying the view from a variety of locations—a bridge, boats, lookouts, and even a tightrope!

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Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas! It's the jolly old elf himself caught in mid-delivery with his bag of Christmas joy. There are toys galore for everyone on the nice list, and maybe even a few lumps of coal at the bottom of the bag for those on the naughty list (you know who you are)! Relive the joy of Christmases past while creating new family memories as you assemble this delightful folk depiction of St. Nicholas, or enjoy a giclée canvas reprint as one of your cherished Christmas decorations. Merry Christmas from folk artist Eric Dowdle!

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For centuries the Black Hills have been considered sacred ground and a magic land to the Native American tribes who lived there. When Gutson Borglum began sculpting the mountain, known as Six Grandfathers, into the likeness of four great American Presidents he gave Mount Rushmore a new sacred magic. Today more than 3 million people visit the monument each year to experience this incredible sight. Enjoy the awe of the iconic rock stars of Mount Rushmore: U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The Black Hills painting also depicts the Crazy Horse Memorial. Henry Standing Bear was an Oglala Lakota Chief who invited sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to carve a memorial honoring all North American Indians.

The Black Hills is part of our National Parks Series and is one of the paintings included in our Dowdle Doodles - National Parks coloring book.

As part of the 2016 National Park Service Centennial, Dowdle Folk Art encourages you to learn more about Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

In addition, you can learn more about the Crazy Horse Memorial.

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As the capital of the United States of America, Washington D.C. is full of modern-day activity, stories from history, as well as a plethora of historical architecture and sights. Eric captures it all in this detailed painting which focuses on the National Mall and adjacent buildings. Looks closely and you will see figures spanning hundreds of years of history representing all of the important moments that make this nation what it is today.

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The historical Hotel del Coronado takes center stage in this painting of scenic San Diego. Known as the most popular wedding destination in the United States, this beautiful resort has been attracting tourists since 1888. It is easy to see why San Diego is nicknamed "America's finest city."

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Life is always happy at the North Pole! Enjoy this charming painting of Santa and his elves in this winter wonderland. See the hustle and bustle of getting all of the toys prepared, along with quite a bit of fun and games along with it. Some elves enjoy hot chocolate on the balcony, while others are hard at work building snowmen. Even the monkeys are joining in the fun and have escaped the barrel to create a ladder to the helicopter. Join in the fun and festivities of the season of giving by enjoying this creative artwork as a painting or a puzzle.

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In this spectacular image of London at night, Eric has captured the charm and grandeur of this amazing city. The London Eye, the tallest ferris wheel in Europe, and Big Ben are in the forefront of this painting. If one looks closely, one can also find a legendary British band and the always delightful singing nanny. What other English national treasures can you find?

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As the oldest city in South Carolina, Charleston is known for its rich history, well-preserved and colorful architecture, vast restaurant community, and friendly people. Charleston's unique culture, which blends traditional Southern U.S., English, French, and West African elements, is evidenced in the unique accent of it's citizens. Known as the Holy City because of it's early toleration of all Protestant religions, Charleston's horizon is full of church steeples, as are seen in this painting. Depicted with a glowing sunset over the Ashley River, Southern warmth and charm come alive in this colorful piece of art.

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In LA, there is always time to play! Whether in the sunshine or the rain, this beautiful city is packed with so much color, excitement, and people that Eric knew painting Los Angeles would be a challenge worthwhile. After all, it is the biggest city if you’re counting how much land it occupies. But LA is known for being called the “city of angels” or a “dream city” where dreams can come true for many people here. See if you can find the not-so-traditional ‘angel’ in the painting.

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Only 30 minutes from major metropolitan areas but worlds away are the Rocky Mountain ski areas of Brighton and Solitude, at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. Painted during the Christmas season, Eric captures the magic, holiday feel of these resorts. After a day of exhilarating ski runs, take off your boots and bindings then join us in the lodge with friends and family to enjoy a steamy mug of hot chocolate in front of a raging fire, looking out at the Winter Wasatch Wonderland.

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On this festival night in Alamo Square
The chilly season of Fall hangs in the air
San Franciscan children all can feel
Dressed as ghost and gremlins, this is a night to steal.

These friendly phantasms drift door to door
With satchels and buckets in hand to score
Sweet candies, and treats, and fun galore.

With a ring of a doorbell the ritual starts
And an opening door is the cue to the part
Where shouts of "Trick or Treat!” warm the heart.