5 Chinese-American joint oil painting exhibition adds “color” to the wine country of Sonoma
On August 10, the Sonoma Community Center in California’s picturesque wine country hosted an engaging oil painting exhibition titled “Colors Revived: The Passion of Life, Color, and Light.” This event, organized by five distinguished Chinese American artists, attracted a sizable audience of painters, art lovers, collectors, and oil painting aficionados. The exhibition will remain open to the public until August 28.
Sonoma County, located in Northern California, is celebrated for its stunning vineyards and historic wineries. The Sonoma Valley boasts some of the region’s oldest wineries and enchanting vineyards, while the Russian River Valley is renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Healdsburg, a quaint town in the area, is a favorite spot for visitors with its abundant tasting rooms, restaurants, and boutique shops. The rich wine culture of Sonoma County beautifully intertwines with the artistic flair of this oil painting exhibition, creating a truly unique atmosphere.
At the opening ceremony, the organizers warmly welcomed a diverse gathering of Chinese American painters, artists, and oil painting enthusiasts, resulting in a lively ambiance that received accolades from attendees. The exhibition showcases stunning works from five talented Chinese artists: Tu Zhiwei, Wu Weizhan, Guan Fei, Lu Liyuan, and Yang Jun.
Tu Zhiwei, a prominent figure in the American oil painting landscape and a former president of the American Oil Painting Society, shared his journey upon arriving in California, where the region’s sunlight and scenery deeply inspired him. His artwork features vibrant colors that capture the essence of California’s landscapes, drawing from the pastoral beauty and agricultural elements of Northern California, illustrating his profound love for nature.
Yang Jun, currently based in Sacramento, California’s capital, presented his striking oil painting titled “Estuary,” which captures a stormy sky looming over an abandoned old boat. He described this piece as a representation of the peace and anticipation that follows a storm, inviting viewers to sense both the imminent light and the potential for upheaval. Yang focuses on coastal series paintings and has been significantly influenced by the coastal views from his time in San Francisco.
Another featured piece was “Hunting Class” by Lu Liyuan, which depicts a poignant scene of a Native American girl teaching a white girl to shoot arrows, representing the narratives of early settlers in America. Lu highlighted how the painting utilizes backlighting to create striking visual contrasts, encouraging viewers to explore a spectrum of emotions and interpretations.
In addition to these five artists, the exhibition proudly included several other gifted painters, many of whom have graduated from esteemed art institutions in both China and the United States and are affiliated with various art associations in both countries. Their works have garnered numerous accolades in exhibitions and competitions, and they are included in collections across various art institutions and businesses. Their artistic achievements not only showcase their individual talents but also foster a rich exchange of painting cultures between China and the U.S.
This oil painting exhibition not only amplifies the creative artistry of Chinese American artists but also injects a vibrant splash of artistic color into the heart of California’s wine country.
