Family On the Water

I created Life by the Water in 2005, drawing inspiration from the serene beauty of China’s traditional water towns. The painting depicts a tranquil moment of a family living by the water—simple, yet profoundly harmonious. A mother tenderly holds her child, while another child sits beside her on a wooden boat. Nearby, a figure stands at the boat’s edge, poised to guide it along the calm river. In the background, ancient stone bridges and riverside homes stretch into the misty horizon, capturing the essence of life in a water-bound community.
As an artist deeply influenced by Impressionism, I am fascinated by the interplay of light, color, and atmosphere. In this work, I pursued a balance between Chinese tradition and modern expression. By combining Western techniques of light and shadow with the lyrical beauty of Eastern landscapes, I sought to breathe new life into familiar scenes. The reflections of water and sky blend seamlessly, while the use of soft brushstrokes and subtle tonal transitions imbue the scene with warmth and timelessness.
My creative process always starts with observing light—how it dances across the water and illuminates even the simplest of moments. This painting reflects my deep emotional connection to the harmony between people and nature. Life by the Water is not just a visual piece; it is a celebration of nostalgia and modernity, bridging the past and the present.