Medium: Pen, Ink & Watercolor
(661) 607-6422
the.inkist.kgn@gmail.com
The Inkist’s website
After 37 years as a trial lawyer, Kirk Neiberger has retired and returned to his second passion—creating art through pen and ink drawings. Just for fun, he’s taken on the moniker “Inkist.” He now calls the historic gold rush town of Sutter Creek, California, home.
As a boy, Kirk was captivated by small etchings, drawn to their tiny size and intricate detail. But without the means to buy the specialized supplies, he turned to pen and ink drawings instead, working within the modest space of 5” x 7” paper.
After retiring, Kirk picked up drawing again as a fun hobby to fill the gap left by leaving his law career. Friends and admirers of his work encouraged him to showcase his original pieces in local galleries. At first, he wasn’t sure this was the path he wanted to take, but after some thought, he realized sharing his art could be a meaningful legacy. His journey began at Sutter Creek Gallery in Sutter Creek, then moved to Gold Country Artists Gallery in Placerville, CA, and eventually led to opening his own Etsy shop online. Today, Kirk’s drawings have reached 35 states, 6 countries, and 4 continents, with the goal of one day being represented in all 50 states.
Most of his drawings come from photos he’s personally taken on his iPhone, whether at home or abroad during what he calls his “photo safaris.” But if he spots a photograph by someone else that sparks his inspiration, he’s quick to put pen and brush to paper. He especially enjoys capturing local scenes and images, both historical and everyday. Still, the world is his oyster, and he’s happy to tackle it one image at a time.
Here are a few samples of Kirk’s exquisite work:
