Wyland Appraisal

Wyland Original Watercolor Painting of an Orca

This is a matted and framed original watercolor painting by the world-renowned marine life artist Robert Wyland. The piece depicts a solitary Orca (killer whale) swimming through deep blue ocean waters. The composition features a masterful use of negative space and light, with a bright white glowing effect above the whale that mimics surface sunlight filtering through the water. The color palette is dominated by cerulean, navy, and indigo blues, contrasted against the stark black and white markings of the orca. The artist's signature 'WYLAND' is clearly visible in the lower-left corner along with a copyright symbol and what appears to be a date of 1994. The artwork is presented on thick watercolor paper with visible deckled edges, suggesting a high-quality hand-torn stock. It is professionally mounted within a blue mat and housed in a traditional dark wood frame with gold-tone inner fillet detailing. From a condition perspective, the piece appears well-preserved behind glass; however, there is some minor reflection on the glass surface and slight dust accumulation on the frame corners. Wyland's style is characterized by fluid brushstrokes and a deep commitment to marine conservation, making this a classic example of late 20th-century environmental art. The craftsmanship is evident in the smooth gradients of color and the realistic anatomical proportions of the whale.