John D. Herz
“Passion for Life”
2022

About the Item

Original finely executed and detailed colored pencil on matte board drawing of a passion flower by the American contemporary artist, John D. Herz. Signed lower right. Done in 2022. Presently unframed. Framing options available. Description: Passiflora, known also as the passion flowers or passion vines, is a genus of about 550 species of flowering plants, the type genus of the family Passifloraceae. They are mostly tendril-bearing vines, with some being shrubs or trees. They can be woody or herbaceous. Wikipedia 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.

Creator:

John D. Herz (1948, American)

Creation Year:

2022

Dimensions:

Height: 32 in (81.28 cm)Width: 40 in (101.6 cm)Depth: 0.25 in (6.35 mm)

Medium:

Color Pencil,Board

Movement & Style:

Contemporary

Period:

2010-