“Marine Fossil Forms” — Impasto Acrylic by Jack Herland | 26×20 | NYC Provenance
This original 26×20 impasto acrylic painting by Jack Herland (1919–2005) depicts three shell-like marine forms rising from a textured sand-toned ground. Herland’s sculptural impasto technique gives the composition a fossil-like dimensionality, blending natural observation with expressive modernist form.
Signed and acquired from the retired Mitch Moore Gallery in New York City, this work exemplifies Herland’s fusion of classical study, Chinese brush influence, and experimental surfaces. A striking piece for collectors of mid-century American painting, nature-inspired art, and dimensional acrylic works.
DETAILED ARTWORK DESCRIPTION
Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Untitled Shell & Marine Fossil Study
Impasto Acrylic on Paper | 26 × 20 in. | Signed “Herland”
Provenance: Mitch Moore Gallery Inc., New York (retired)
This 26×20 impasto acrylic painting by Jack Herland is a superb example of his textural, sculptural approach to representational subjects. The composition features three shell-like organic forms rendered with raised impasto, subtle sculptural ridging, and delicate color modulations. The textures appear almost fossilized—emerging from the surface as relief, rather than simple painted imagery.
Visual & Stylistic Characteristics
Central elongated shell form, ribbed and armored, rendered with dimensional acrylic creating the illusion of an excavated marine fossil.
Two accompanying forms—a smaller ribbed shell and a scalloped fan shell—complete the triad, establishing a natural rhythm reminiscent of biological studies from the mid-century period.
The palette consists of soft pinks, muted rusts, coral tones, warm sand, bone white, and subtle grays, set against a speckled beige ground that mimics stone, sand, or aged parchment.
The sandy background is treated with speckling and controlled splatter, evoking geological sediments or seafloor textures.
Herland’s impasto technique gives these shells an almost relief-sculpture presence, blending painting and tactile form.
This work is highly representative of Herland’s interest in natural forms, Chinese brush influence, and textural experimentation, combining modernist sensibility with classical observational structure.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY — JACK HERLAND (1919–2005)
German-born American Artist | Painter, Designer, Educator | New York School Influence
Jack Herland was born in Germany in 1919 and immigrated to the United States at age sixteen. His artistic career unfolded in New York City, where he trained under a number of influential teachers, including:
John Groth, noted illustrator and modernist drawing instructor
Stuart Davis, key figure of American modernism
Wang Chi Yuan, a master of Chinese brushwork who profoundly shaped Herland’s sensitivity to line, gesture, and organic form
He also studied in W.P.A. art courses, which connected him to the broader artistic movements of the era.
Military Service & Postwar Artistic Development
Herland served in the U.S. Army during World War II, after which he joined several artist colleagues in developing hand-painted gifts and decorative objects in glass and porcelain—a precursor to his later work in applied arts and industrial design.
Unique Style & Technique
His work merges:
He is known for florals, still lifes, shells, and nature studies, often imbued with sculptural dimensionality.
Design & Teaching Career
Herland worked extensively in the lamp and home décor industries as a consultant and design developer, bringing fine-art sensibilities into functional objects. He also taught painting in adult education programs, passing on both Western and Eastern technique.
Exhibitions
His exhibitions included:
His career is documented in Who’s Who in Art and through gallery records from Mitch Morse Gallery (New York).
Herland remains valued among collectors of mid-century American art, particularly those who appreciate mixed Eastern/Western technique and sculptural painting styles.
Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Marine Fossil Forms
Impasto Acrylic on Paper | 26×20 in. | Signed
Provenance: Mitch Moore Gallery, NYC
Sculptural impasto painting of shell forms with textured sand-toned ground. Excellent vintage condition.
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Title: Marine Fossil Forms (assigned catalog title)
Medium: Impasto Acrylic on Paper
Dimensions: 26 × 20 inches
Signature: Lower right “Herland”
Date: c. 1960s–1980s (typical active period for impasto works)
Provenance: Mitch Moore Gallery Inc., New York → Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition; impasto stable; no discoloration, tears, or surface loss.
PROVENANCE CHAIN
Artist: Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Mitch Moore Gallery Inc., New York (retired)
Private Collection / Gallery Release
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
“Marine Fossil Forms” — Impasto Acrylic by Jack Herland | 26×20 | NYC Provenance
This original 26×20 impasto acrylic painting by Jack Herland (1919–2005) depicts three shell-like marine forms rising from a textured sand-toned ground. Herland’s sculptural impasto technique gives the composition a fossil-like dimensionality, blending natural observation with expressive modernist form.
Signed and acquired from the retired Mitch Moore Gallery in New York City, this work exemplifies Herland’s fusion of classical study, Chinese brush influence, and experimental surfaces. A striking piece for collectors of mid-century American painting, nature-inspired art, and dimensional acrylic works.
DETAILED ARTWORK DESCRIPTION
Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Untitled Shell & Marine Fossil Study
Impasto Acrylic on Paper | 26 × 20 in. | Signed “Herland”
Provenance: Mitch Moore Gallery Inc., New York (retired)
This 26×20 impasto acrylic painting by Jack Herland is a superb example of his textural, sculptural approach to representational subjects. The composition features three shell-like organic forms rendered with raised impasto, subtle sculptural ridging, and delicate color modulations. The textures appear almost fossilized—emerging from the surface as relief, rather than simple painted imagery.
Visual & Stylistic Characteristics
Central elongated shell form, ribbed and armored, rendered with dimensional acrylic creating the illusion of an excavated marine fossil.
Two accompanying forms—a smaller ribbed shell and a scalloped fan shell—complete the triad, establishing a natural rhythm reminiscent of biological studies from the mid-century period.
The palette consists of soft pinks, muted rusts, coral tones, warm sand, bone white, and subtle grays, set against a speckled beige ground that mimics stone, sand, or aged parchment.
The sandy background is treated with speckling and controlled splatter, evoking geological sediments or seafloor textures.
Herland’s impasto technique gives these shells an almost relief-sculpture presence, blending painting and tactile form.
This work is highly representative of Herland’s interest in natural forms, Chinese brush influence, and textural experimentation, combining modernist sensibility with classical observational structure.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY — JACK HERLAND (1919–2005)
German-born American Artist | Painter, Designer, Educator | New York School Influence
Jack Herland was born in Germany in 1919 and immigrated to the United States at age sixteen. His artistic career unfolded in New York City, where he trained under a number of influential teachers, including:
John Groth, noted illustrator and modernist drawing instructor
Stuart Davis, key figure of American modernism
Wang Chi Yuan, a master of Chinese brushwork who profoundly shaped Herland’s sensitivity to line, gesture, and organic form
He also studied in W.P.A. art courses, which connected him to the broader artistic movements of the era.
Military Service & Postwar Artistic Development
Herland served in the U.S. Army during World War II, after which he joined several artist colleagues in developing hand-painted gifts and decorative objects in glass and porcelain—a precursor to his later work in applied arts and industrial design.
Unique Style & Technique
His work merges:
He is known for florals, still lifes, shells, and nature studies, often imbued with sculptural dimensionality.
Design & Teaching Career
Herland worked extensively in the lamp and home décor industries as a consultant and design developer, bringing fine-art sensibilities into functional objects. He also taught painting in adult education programs, passing on both Western and Eastern technique.
Exhibitions
His exhibitions included:
His career is documented in Who’s Who in Art and through gallery records from Mitch Morse Gallery (New York).
Herland remains valued among collectors of mid-century American art, particularly those who appreciate mixed Eastern/Western technique and sculptural painting styles.
Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Marine Fossil Forms
Impasto Acrylic on Paper | 26×20 in. | Signed
Provenance: Mitch Moore Gallery, NYC
Sculptural impasto painting of shell forms with textured sand-toned ground. Excellent vintage condition.
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Title: Marine Fossil Forms (assigned catalog title)
Medium: Impasto Acrylic on Paper
Dimensions: 26 × 20 inches
Signature: Lower right “Herland”
Date: c. 1960s–1980s (typical active period for impasto works)
Provenance: Mitch Moore Gallery Inc., New York → Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition; impasto stable; no discoloration, tears, or surface loss.
PROVENANCE CHAIN
Artist: Jack Herland (1919–2005)
Mitch Moore Gallery Inc., New York (retired)
Private Collection / Gallery Release
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
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