Wu Xiaochang

Wu Xiaochang
(
1940
 – 
)

Wu Xiaochang was born in 1940 in Shangdong province. He graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, in 1964 and remained there as a professor and ultimately, Director of the postgraduate studio of oil painting. He has also been a long time member of the Chinese Artists’ Association. Wu Xiaochang took part in numerous oil painting exhibitions throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s and his work won several awards, including the special prize at the 1993 China and Japan Art Exhibition held at the National Art Museum of China, Beijing. He has authored four books on Chinese art.

  • Peasant Woman, 1986
    Oil on Canvas
    14" x 20" (35.5cm x 50.8cm)

    About this work

    This small study of a woman is produced in muted colors, which adds to its Impressionistic style. The clothing is not distinctly Chinese and the overall feeling of the piece is European, yet the artist says he painted it in Northern China as a field study for a larger work.

  • Return From Herding, 1986
    Oil on Canvas
    6" x 13" (15.2cm x 33cm)

    About this work

    This small field sketch in oil has a beautiful coloration and the way in which Wu Xiaochang has used the medium, it feels more like a watercolor. Oil painters would refer to this as a wash. The artist has said that even though he produced this as part of a study for a larger work, he liked the way it turned out and that the size forces the viewer to study it closely.

  • Evening Talks on the Plain, 1986
    Oil on Canvas
    14" x 20" (35.5cm x 50.8cm)

    About this work

    “Evening Talks on the Plain” is an exceptional Impressionist sketch in limited colors and tones that succeeds in interpreting exactly what the title implies. Two women have stopped momentarily to talk. The light of day is fading, there are no shadows left and evening is approaching. In a few strokes of color and form, the artist has managed to stop a moment in time.