Our Collection
This is where our gallery begins
Abstract
Animal Art
"Birds in a cage," for a painting that depicts birds seemingly in a natural setting rather than confinement.
This vibrant watercolor painting featuring two stylized birds perched on a brown branch against a rich, deep blue background. The birds are predominantly various shades of green, creating a harmonious blend with hints of contrasting colors.
Overall, the painting has a whimsical and decorative feel, characterized by its bold colors, simplified forms, and expressive use of watercolor. The title "Birds in a cage" might suggest a metaphorical interpretation, perhaps hinting at themes of longing for freedom, observation from within boundaries, or the intricate beauty contained within a limited space, despite the open and natural depiction. The contrast between the subject matter and the title invites contemplation about the artist's intended message.
Digital Art
Landscapes
"Fire in the Sky" at the Historic Point Loma Lighthouse in San Diego! This watercolor painting truly captures a dramatic and vibrant moment.
The focal point of the artwork is undoubtedly the Historic Point Loma Lighthouse, rendered in warm, creamy yellow hues that contrast beautifully with the fiery sky. It stands with a quiet dignity, its sturdy structure clearly defined. We can see the main rectangular building with its dark, vertically oriented windows, and the iconic lantern room atop a cylindrical tower. The black dome of the lantern room is capped with a delicate antenna or weather vane. A smaller, attached building extends to the left of the main tower, sharing the same warm color palette.
The sky is the star of the show, living up to the title "Fire in the Sky." A breathtaking display of intense colors radiates outwards from the horizon line. Brilliant oranges and fiery reds dominate the upper portion of the sky, suggesting either a dramatic sunset or sunrise. These warm hues bleed into vibrant pinks and purples as the eye moves upwards and towards the left side of the painting, creating a stunning gradient of atmospheric energy. The brushstrokes in the sky are dynamic and streaky, conveying a sense of movement and the ephemeral nature of light and clouds.
The landscape surrounding the lighthouse is depicted with softer, more grounded tones. The land immediately around the buildings is a mix of sandy yellows and muted greens, suggesting dry coastal vegetation. Patches of reddish and pinkish wildflowers add small bursts of color near the base of the lighthouse.
"San Diego Bay"! This watercolor painting beautifully captures the serene and expansive feel of being near the water in San Diego.
The foreground is dominated by a large, dark, sloping landmass, likely a cliff or hillside leading down to the bay. The dark hues, with subtle variations suggesting shadows and textures of rock and perhaps some sparse vegetation, create a strong visual anchor. Hints of warmer colors at the very bottom edge suggest either the base of the cliff or perhaps a glimpse of a shoreline further along.
The vast expanse of San Diego Bay stretches out beyond this foreground. The water is rendered in varying shades of blue, from lighter, almost turquoise tones in the distance to deeper, richer blues closer to the viewer, effectively conveying the depth and movement of the water. Gentle horizontal brushstrokes suggest the calm surface of the bay, with subtle variations hinting at gentle ripples or currents.
The overall mood of the painting is one of tranquility and spaciousness. The artist has skillfully used the fluid nature of watercolor to capture the essence of the bay, the interplay of light and water, and the distant landscape. The contrast between the solid, dark foreground and the airy, light-filled bay creates a compelling visual dynamic, drawing the viewer into the peaceful scene of "San Diego Bay."
"Del Mar 3," a lovely watercolor capturing the essence of the California coast! This painting invites you to breathe in the salty air and feel the gentle warmth of the sun.
Your eyes are immediately drawn to the dynamic interplay of blues in the sky and sea. The upper portion of the painting showcases a vast expanse of light cerulean, brushed with wispy strokes of white that suggest high, thin clouds drifting lazily across the horizon. As your gaze descends, the sky meets the ocean in a softer, hazy band, hinting at the distance and the moisture in the air.
The ocean itself is a captivating study in varying shades of blue. Closer to the shore, the water shimmers in lighter, almost turquoise hues where the sunlight penetrates the shallows. Gentle, curving white lines depict the foamy edges of small waves as they roll towards the sandy beach. Further out, the blues deepen into richer indigos and sapphires, conveying the depth and power of the Pacific. The artist has skillfully used horizontal brushstrokes to emphasize the vastness and movement of the water.
Overall, "Del Mar 3" is a serene and evocative watercolor that beautifully captures the natural beauty of Del Mar. The artist has skillfully employed the transparency and fluidity of watercolor to depict the light, the water's movement, and the textures of the land. It's a piece that makes you feel present in that moment, experiencing the tranquility of the California coastline.
"The Subway"! What a captivating title for this watercolor landscape. It immediately evokes a sense of hidden passage and subterranean beauty, which this painting certainly conveys. Here's a detailed description:
The artwork presents a close-up perspective of a naturally formed, cave-like passage filled with vibrant, turquoise water. The "subway" imagery comes to life through the smooth, arching rock formations that frame the scene, creating a tunnel-like view.
The water is the focal point, its brilliant turquoise hue contrasting beautifully with the warm tones of the rock. The surface appears calm and reflective, mirroring the light and the colors of the passage walls. Subtle variations in the blue suggest the depth and movement of the water as it flows through the natural channel.
The artist employs a fluid and expressive brushstroke, characteristic of watercolor, allowing the pigments to blend and bleed into one another, creating soft edges and a sense of organic movement. This technique enhances the natural feel of the scene, avoiding harsh lines and embracing the inherent fluidity of the medium.
In the foreground, the rocky banks leading to the water's edge are depicted with intricate detail, showing variations in color and texture that suggest dampness and the presence of minerals. Hints of green vegetation cling to some of the rock surfaces, adding a touch of life to the otherwise mineral-dominated environment.
Overall, "The Subway" is a striking watercolor painting that captures the serene and somewhat mysterious beauty of a hidden natural passage. The interplay of warm and cool colors, the skillful use of light and shadow, and the fluid nature of the watercolor medium combine to create a captivating and immersive experience for the viewer, inviting them to contemplate the hidden wonders that lie beneath the surface.
Purchase Prints
Do you like what you see? You can purchase prints of many of my pieces from my artist page on ArtPal.com
The Art of Nick Herbka
