Family, friends and professional acquaintances remembered Cape Region watercolorist Howard J. Eberle fondly during the opening reception of the Precision and Perspective exhibition at Peninsula Gallery in Lewes.

Eberle, a self-taught watercolorist with a decades-long connection to the area, died July 9. His work had already been scheduled to be a part of the exhibit. The reception provided family and friends the opportunity to reminisce about Eberle and his work.

There are more than a dozen pieces of Eberle’s work hanging as part of the exhibit. There are images of tattered flags, beach scenes, waterfowl and closeups of metal objects that he found interesting.

Joann Eberle, Howard’s wife, was in attendance. Walking around the gallery, she came across a painting titled “WD-40.” The subject is large, rusted metal gears attached to the side of an old barn with rusted roof edges and streaks of rust staining the sides. 

“This piece is just lovely,” said Joann. “He found this on an old farm out on Route 26. He liked to play with space and perspective. He liked to make objects the center of attention that were otherwise overlooked.”

Joann said she would often go out with Howard on his scouting trips and helped manage the business side of things.

“He painted and I did everything else,” said Joann.

Tony Boyd-Heron and wife Carol opened Peninsula Gallery 30 years ago. Eberle was among the first artists they represented. The detail Howard put into his paintings was astonishing, said Tony, describing him as one of the members of the gallery’s family of artists.

“You and I may see a large landscape, [but] Howard would focus on the smallest details and dramatize it,” said Tony.

Carter Eberle, Howard’s son, traveled to Lewes from outside Baltimore, Md., with his wife and three children. He said he could remember going to art shows with his dad and helping as needed.

“I can remember when he became a professional, full-time artist,” said Carter, with a smile. “It was a big deal.”

Roy Messner, Eberle’s neighbor, said he had never much been into the arts.

“Give me a ball in my hands,” he said.

However, said Messner, something about Eberle’s paintings spoke to him. Right after moving to the area, he and wife bought two of his paintings, and then they bought more, including two hanging in the gallery.

Howard was an amazing artist, said Messner.