N. Eric Oback Biography
N. Eric Oback (1920-1979) Born: Sweden; Studied: California College of Arts and Crafts (Oakland); Member: American Watercolor Society, Society of Western Artists. N. Eric Oback's family emigrated from Sweden to Chicago in 1927. He was awarded US citizen in 1946, after serving honorably in the US Army during World War II. After being discharged, he moved to Oakland, California and began to professionally exhibit his watercolor paintings in the late 1940s. In 1950, he accepted a teaching professorship at San Jose State University's School of Art. In 1971-72, N. Eric Oback suffered heart failure. As a result, he received one of the earliest heart transplants performed at Stanford University Medical Center. He continued to teach art at San Jose State University until his untimely passing in 1979. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, 10 children, and numerous grandchildren.
Bographical information:
Interview with son John Oback, 2009
California Watercolor