“Chrysanthemum Cluster” — Textural Impasto Floral by Jack Herland | Mid-Century Original

A luminous floral impasto painting by Jack Herland (1919–2005) featuring sculpted white chrysanthemum blooms against a deep green background. Rendered in raised acrylic with elegant botanical shading, this mid-century original reflects Herland’s distinctive blend of Eastern brushwork, modernist design, and decorative mastery.
Offered exclusively by Artfind Gallery, Washington DC.

DETAILED ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Untitled Chrysanthemum Cluster — Impasto Acrylic on Paper
c. 1970s–1980s | Signed lower right “Herland”
Ex–Mitch Moore Gallery, NYC

This striking impasto floral study showcases three full chrysanthemum blooms and a smaller accompanying bud, all rendered in Herland’s signature raised white acrylic technique. Against a richly saturated forest-green ground, the blossoms glow almost as luminous relief sculptures, each petal articulated with curving ridges, feathered brushwork, and subtle opacity shifts that catch light with dimensional delicacy.

The deep rose-brown leaves, outlined with elegant linear accents, anchor the composition and provide a warm counterpoint to the cool white blooms. Herland’s mastery of textural contrast is evident: the petals appear airy and cloud-like while the leaves introduce weight, botanical realism, and structure. The visual effect is simultaneously decorative, sculptural, and gently atmospheric.

This work exemplifies Herland’s late-mid-century floral style—an interplay of Eastern brush traditions learned from Professor Wang Chi Yuan, modernist simplification from the New York school, and the elegant impasto techniques he refined through decades of studio practice and design work.

A standout example in the series for its uncommon green ground, high contrast, and exceptional petal detailing.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY — JACK HERLAND (1919–2005)

Born in Germany, Jack Herland immigrated to New York at age sixteen, where he immersed himself in the city’s dynamic mid-century art scene. His artistic education was shaped by major figures:

• John Groth — gestural drawing, action line

• Stuart Davis — abstraction, visual structure, color economy

• Professor Wang Chi Yuan — classical Chinese brushwork, expressive line, spatial simplicity

Herland served in the U.S. Army in WWII and afterward developed a multifaceted career in both fine art and applied design. He created hand-painted glass and china, consulted in lamp and decorative-object design, and taught painting in New York adult education programs.

His floral paintings—especially his raised impasto botanical series—became hallmarks of his style and were prominently featured at:

• National Arts Club

• Hudson Museum

• China Institute

• Riverdale Neighborhood House

• The Mitch Moore Gallery (his primary New York representation)

Herland’s work remains beloved for its serenity, craftsmanship, and synthesis of East-West artistic approaches.

Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Untitled Chrysanthemum Cluster
Impasto Acrylic on Paper
Signed lower right
Provenance: Mitch Moore Gallery → Private Collection → Artfind Gallery

A refined mid-century impasto floral featuring sculptural white chrysanthemums on green ground.

CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION

Artist: Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Title: Chrysanthemum Cluster (assigned catalog title)
Medium: Impasto Acrylic on Paper
Dimensions: Approx. 26 × 20 inches
Signature: Lower right, “Herland”
Date: c. 1970s–1980s

Condition:
Excellent vintage condition; impasto stable; no warping or structural issues.

Provenance:

1. Jack Herland (Artist)

2. Mitch Moore Gallery, New York

3. Private Collection

4. Artfind Gallery, Washington DC — Current Owner

PROVENANCE CHAIN

1. Jack Herland

2. Mitch Moore Gallery, NYC

3. Private Collection

4. Artfind Gallery, Washington DC — Current Owner