The dwarven spirit

“Red Priestess”

With just one look, Christopher Hershberger’s art will transport you to magical places, where unicorns, dragons, warlocks and priestesses are the fantastical norm. And all these mythical creations are fueled by dwarven energy.

“Dwarven is the culture of the dwarf. In mythology, dwarfs were always revered as master artisans,” explained Hershberger. “It’s something I connect with and aspire to as an artist.”

Christopher Hershberger

Hershberger is from a family of artisans, including well-known Ocala artists Mark and Carlynne Hershberger, who are his uncle and aunt.

“There are painters, photographers, illustrators and woodworkers throughout my family. So, I was always encouraged and supported to become an artist,” said Hershberger. “I really never considered any other path, but I have taken several detours. I was initially inspired by cartoons, animation and Bob Ross’ ‘The Joy of Painting’ on PBS. I just loved how Bob Ross made painting accessible to everyone, including people who didn’t even think they could be an artist.”

Hershberger would go on to get a Bachelor of Science in computer animation but realized that it really wasn’t what he wanted to do.

“I kept looking and that’s when I discovered fantasy art. I studied the great fantasy artists like James Gurney, Boris Vallejo and Frank Frazetta. I had to learn how that wizardry was achieved,” shared Hershberger. “What I love about fantasy art is the story-telling aspect of it. And now all of my art is crafted to tell a story.”

“Girl and her Dragon”

While Hershberger utilizes multiple mediums in his work, drawing is the foundational stepping stone to each piece.

“I think with a pencil. Drawing is a quick way to express an artistic idea. I use a drawing as a starting point for every painting,” he explained. “Once I have the drawing, then I transfer it to a digital platform then to a wood panel that I crafted. Most of my work is in an acrylic base layer with an oil overlay. The oil overlay allows me to bring in details and interesting light effects as the piece comes to life and tells its story.”

A prime example of Hershberger’s multiple-medium artistry is “Red Priestess,” a 16-inch by 20-inch acrylic pour on canvas that won Best in Show at the 2025 NOMA Gallery “Amore” International.

“Blue Nightmare”

“With an acrylic pour piece like ‘Red Priestess,’ I’ll use different colored paints of various weights. You are pouring the paint down on the canvas, so it will land and dry in interesting ways. I even incorporated copper metallic tempera paint to bring her to life, especially her eyes,” said Hershberger. “In fact, when I was working on her, she would follow me around the room with those eyes and glare at me. She is definitely a presence.”

Hershberger has also painted four Horse Fever horses that are displayed around Ocala/Marion County, including “Lurking at the Surface.” Located at Cone Distributing, the horse features a quintessential Florida gator in a spring.

Beyond creating his own work, Hershberger is an artist practitioner with Arts in Health Ocala Metro (AIHOM). The nonprofit organization is an initiative of the Lisa Irwin Legacy For Arts & Culture (LILAC Foundation) in partnership with the University of Florida Arts In Medicine Program. AIHOM brings arts to people of all ages and abilities through various community programs.

“I teach painting and drawing to adults with special needs at ARC Marion,” said Hershberger. “I let them decide on what they want to work on, and they love doing the art projects. It’s very fulfilling for me to give back through art. Art should be a part of everyone’s life.”

For more information, go to thedwarvenpalette.com

“Lurking at the Surface”