"In the Beginning"

Original finely executed and detailed colored pencil on archival paper drawing of a colored sphere by the American contemporary artist, John D. Herz. Signed lower right. Done in 2022. Part of the “world according to Herz” series. Presently unframed. Framing options available.

Artist statement: John D. Herz (born 1948)
March 7, 2006, the day that changed my life forever. My wife and muse, Nancy, bought me a birthday gift of drawing supplies. She knew I liked to doodle and draw as a kid, but I never had much talent or interest in creating. Neither one of us could have imagined what would happen next. When I started to draw it was like nothing I had ever done before. The next 10 months I drew using photo images, for reference, that I found on the internet. Then, while traveling in The Bahamas, I met a fishing guide who allowed me to take his photo. That photo became the inspiration for my first portrait, “Mr. Higs”, using my own photography. From then on I wanted to control my art from start to finish by using my own photo images. I also fell in love with portraiture. I started a series of “People of the Street”, which I call “Uncommon Man”. I try to give a Face and a Name to the less fortunate. My passion was born.
Over the next 10 years I created only in black and white. Then one day I decided to try my hand at colored pencils. The next chapter began and new subjects were calling me. Not only did I still have a passion for portraiture, I now had a new passion for flowers and much more.
Over the years I have had some special honors. Three of my portraits were featured in a show at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, Trenton, N.J. This show honored the life of Paul Robeson, representing social, economic, and racial injustices. When a corporation or person entrust me to create that special piece for them I am excited and ready for the challenge.