Original Painting: Inca by James Edward Scherbarth

Dark earth and red clay frame a cold blue block, with a gold grid glinting through the cracks.

This original painting, Inca, is by James Edward Scherbarth (1949-2021), dated 2016, in oil and cold wax on cradle board, signed and dated en verso. Inca builders are renowned for close-fitted stone masonry, a touchstone for artists interested in texture. Deep brown fills the upper left, crossed by fine scored lines that form a faint grid. Crimson runs down the left side and spills along the bottom. A large pale blue-gray block sits at center right, with gold showing through in scattered flecks. It is 12 inches wide and 12 high.

Built to last, at least on paper, or rather on board.