40 Watercolor artist | APRIL 2019
S
uzchiang Tan (tansuzchiang.com), a native of Johor,
Malaysia, received his art diploma from Central
Academy of Fine Art, in 1997. He’s a signature member
of the National Watercolor Society and the American
Watercolor Society, and his art has earned awards at
major art competitions worldwide. In the past year,
Tan has successfully launched his solo exhibitions abroad.MAKING BOLD STROKES
Tan paints abstract landscapes using fearless brushstrokes.
His brisk, bold creations feature fine detail, similar to the
Southeast Asian wax batik painting style. “I grew up in
a small village where houses of different sizes are built
of wood,” Tan says. “The surrounding areas all hold sweet
memories of my childhood, and these precious memories
greatly influence my creations.
“My acquired knowledge in Chinese ink calligraphy and
brush painting also influence my design and perspective,”
he continues. “My imagina-
tion, combined with the
ancient theory that empty
spaces and ink markings
become abstract shadows,
invite viewers to enter each
painting and ‘wander’ freely
on the paper surface—to
encounter many surprises or
even to stop to ponder partic-
ular areas a while longer.
With this approach, the
painting doesn’t represent a
mechanical picture of skills
and techniques; it provides a
subtle unique power.”
The artist prefers to create
his paintings in the studio,
where he can go deeper into
research, thoughts and explo-
ration. Nevertheless, he
appreciates the value of
working en plein air, espe-
cially when traveling abroad.Suzchiang Tan
MALAYSIA
Blue Memory No. 3
(watercolor on paper, 22x30)Tan’s studio in Johor, Malaysia