“Iris in Motion” — Watercolor & Ink Floral by Jack Herland | Mid-Century Botanical Art
This elegant watercolor floral by Jack Herland (1919–2005) captures the lively energy of irises and foliage rendered in soft washes of lavender, rose, and green. Herland’s signature ink linework—rooted in his study of Chinese brush painting—gives the composition a graceful, organic movement.
A beautifully preserved example of Herland’s celebrated floral work, this piece reflects mid-century modern aesthetics blended with Eastern technique. Ideal for collectors of botanical watercolors, New York School modernism, and expressive natural subjects.
DETAILED ARTWORK DESCRIPTION
Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Untitled Floral Study — Watercolor with Ink Accents
Watercolor & Ink on Paper | c. 1970s–1980s | Signed lower right “Herland”
This vibrant botanical watercolor showcases Jack Herland’s signature blend of fluid Chinese brush techniques, expressive linework, and modernist natural study. The composition centers on three large blossoms—likely stylized irises—rendered in soft lavender, plum, ash-rose, and pearl tones. Each petal is modeled with feathered washes that capture transient shifts of light, while delicate ink lines articulate structure and movement.
Surrounding foliage in layered greens creates a rhythmic, enveloping background, framing the flowers as if emerging from a lush garden canopy. Herland’s characteristic gestural linework, learned in part from his studies with Chinese master Wang Chi Yuan, brings energy and refinement to the piece. The work bears the free, confident touch of an artist deeply versed in both Western illustration and Eastern calligraphic discipline.
This is a quintessential example of Herland’s mature floral style: fresh, loose, luminous, and filled with the spontaneity that watercolor uniquely affords.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY — JACK HERLAND (1919–2005)
German-Born American Artist | Floral & Still-Life Specialist | Modernist with Chinese Brush Influence
Born in Germany in 1919, Jack Herland immigrated to the United States at age sixteen and established his artistic career in New York. He studied under major American artists including John Groth and Stuart Davis, whose modernist influence can be felt in Herland’s rhythmic compositions and expressive linework.
His most formative training, however, came under Professor Wang Chi Yuan, whose instruction in Chinese brush techniques shaped Herland’s lifelong dedication to gesture, contour, and organic movement. This background is especially evident in his florals, where ink lines glide across the paper with calligraphic precision.
Range of Artistic Activity
Herland worked in multiple fields:
Fine art (watercolor, acrylic, impasto painting)
Decorative arts, including painted glass and china
Industrial design consulting (particularly in the lamp industry)
Teaching adult art courses in New York
His style marries textural exploration with refined draftsmanship and a sensitivity to natural forms.
Exhibitions
Herland is listed in Who’s Who in Art and represented historically by the Mitch Moore Gallery (NYC) and other mid-century regional galleries.
His works remain sought after by collectors of mid-century floral painting, East-West hybrid modernism, and expressive botanical art.
Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Untitled Iris Floral
Watercolor & Ink on Paper | Signed lower right
Provenance: Private New York Collection → Artfind Gallery, Washington DC
Loose, luminous watercolor floral with expressive ink contour lines. Excellent condition.
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Title: Iris in Motion (assigned catalog title)
Medium: Watercolor & Ink on Paper
Dimensions: Approx. 26 × 20 in. (estimate matched to prior Herland sizing)
Signature: Lower right
Date: c. 1970s–1980s
Provenance: Private Collection (NYC) → Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Condition:
Excellent; no stains, tears, foxing, or fading. Paper stable.
PROVENANCE CHAIN
Artist: Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Private Collection, New York
Artfind Gallery, Washington DC (current owner)
“Iris in Motion” — Watercolor & Ink Floral by Jack Herland | Mid-Century Botanical Art
This elegant watercolor floral by Jack Herland (1919–2005) captures the lively energy of irises and foliage rendered in soft washes of lavender, rose, and green. Herland’s signature ink linework—rooted in his study of Chinese brush painting—gives the composition a graceful, organic movement.
A beautifully preserved example of Herland’s celebrated floral work, this piece reflects mid-century modern aesthetics blended with Eastern technique. Ideal for collectors of botanical watercolors, New York School modernism, and expressive natural subjects.
DETAILED ARTWORK DESCRIPTION
Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Untitled Floral Study — Watercolor with Ink Accents
Watercolor & Ink on Paper | c. 1970s–1980s | Signed lower right “Herland”
This vibrant botanical watercolor showcases Jack Herland’s signature blend of fluid Chinese brush techniques, expressive linework, and modernist natural study. The composition centers on three large blossoms—likely stylized irises—rendered in soft lavender, plum, ash-rose, and pearl tones. Each petal is modeled with feathered washes that capture transient shifts of light, while delicate ink lines articulate structure and movement.
Surrounding foliage in layered greens creates a rhythmic, enveloping background, framing the flowers as if emerging from a lush garden canopy. Herland’s characteristic gestural linework, learned in part from his studies with Chinese master Wang Chi Yuan, brings energy and refinement to the piece. The work bears the free, confident touch of an artist deeply versed in both Western illustration and Eastern calligraphic discipline.
This is a quintessential example of Herland’s mature floral style: fresh, loose, luminous, and filled with the spontaneity that watercolor uniquely affords.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY — JACK HERLAND (1919–2005)
German-Born American Artist | Floral & Still-Life Specialist | Modernist with Chinese Brush Influence
Born in Germany in 1919, Jack Herland immigrated to the United States at age sixteen and established his artistic career in New York. He studied under major American artists including John Groth and Stuart Davis, whose modernist influence can be felt in Herland’s rhythmic compositions and expressive linework.
His most formative training, however, came under Professor Wang Chi Yuan, whose instruction in Chinese brush techniques shaped Herland’s lifelong dedication to gesture, contour, and organic movement. This background is especially evident in his florals, where ink lines glide across the paper with calligraphic precision.
Range of Artistic Activity
Herland worked in multiple fields:
Fine art (watercolor, acrylic, impasto painting)
Decorative arts, including painted glass and china
Industrial design consulting (particularly in the lamp industry)
Teaching adult art courses in New York
His style marries textural exploration with refined draftsmanship and a sensitivity to natural forms.
Exhibitions
Herland is listed in Who’s Who in Art and represented historically by the Mitch Moore Gallery (NYC) and other mid-century regional galleries.
His works remain sought after by collectors of mid-century floral painting, East-West hybrid modernism, and expressive botanical art.
Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Untitled Iris Floral
Watercolor & Ink on Paper | Signed lower right
Provenance: Private New York Collection → Artfind Gallery, Washington DC
Loose, luminous watercolor floral with expressive ink contour lines. Excellent condition.
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Title: Iris in Motion (assigned catalog title)
Medium: Watercolor & Ink on Paper
Dimensions: Approx. 26 × 20 in. (estimate matched to prior Herland sizing)
Signature: Lower right
Date: c. 1970s–1980s
Provenance: Private Collection (NYC) → Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Condition:
Excellent; no stains, tears, foxing, or fading. Paper stable.
PROVENANCE CHAIN
Artist: Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Private Collection, New York
Artfind Gallery, Washington DC (current owner)
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