48 Watercolor artist | APRIL 2019
Wa t e r m e d i a
Showcase
Beautiful. Meaningful. Well-crafted. These are just a few of the words used by
awards juror John Salminen to describe the paintings that make up this year’s
winner’s circle. We’re thrilled to present all of the inspiring artwork—four top
award winners and five honorable mentions—in this special celebratory feature.By Anne Hevener
Stephen Zhang
Plano, TexasQ What was the inspiration behind
your painting?
A As an artist with portraiture as a
main focus, I’m constantly looking for
people with distinctive individuality.
Th e person in this painting is an artist
in Detroit. I met her during a project
there and was captivated by her grit,
talent and attitude. Th e title, Fire and
Metal, refers to the metalsmithing in
the painting, but it also speaks about
the artist. It’s a privilege to paint
inspiring subjects like her.Q What was your painting process
for the work?
A I worked on the composition of
the painting first in drawings. Then,
painting directly, without a light
wash or underpainting, I let the
paint flow, and then responded to
it accordingly. Because I use calli-
graphic brushwork, I don’t always
cover the entire painting surface;
therefore, my paintings contain
elements of organic sketches.Q Did everything go according
to plan?
A With the painting process I employ,
there are always going to be many
unforeseen happenings. Th at’s also
part of the expectation.Q What’s most important in
making a successful painting?
A To me, a successful painting is the
result of a strong desire from within
an artist. The artist has to be moved
by the subject and then internalize
it. When an artist has something
personal to say, the artwork has a
better chance of affecting others.Q What things are infl uencing
your painting lately?
A I’m continuously influenced by
Chinese Daoism. As I learn more
about it, I find new insights and
inspiration. Also, I’ve been working
on some collaborative projects with
people in other creative professions,
such as musicians.“A perfect amalgam of
abstraction and representation,
Stephen’s painting exhibits the
best of both form and content.
The painting aesthetic is found
in the quality of the mark
on the page, and Stephen’s
command of the mark
is remarkable.”
— JOHN SALMINENFire and Metal
(watercolor on
paper, 30x22)Q What do you most enjoy about
the watercolor medium?
A I have a special connection with
watercolor, since it bridges Eastern
and Western artistic traditions.
When I paint, I take advantage of the
contradictions inherent in the
medium—between complexity and
simplicity, controlling and letting go,
external and internal, permanent
and temporary.10 th A N N UA L
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