About the Artist
Louise Chen (Ju-Yu Chen) is an artist from Taiwan whose medium is Chinese Brush Painting. Since she was old enough to hold a pencil, Louise was encouraged in the Arts by her mother, a renowned art educator and published artist, Mrs. Rose Chiu. Louise was intrigued by how her mom could control the brushstrokes and the shading, so magically.
In order to attend the most prestigious art school in Taiwan, 15-year-old Louise started to receive very strict, traditional training from several Chinese master artists. To expand her educational experiences, she was taught drawing, watercolor, calligraphy and Chinese painting. Right after she graduated from the Taiwan Normal University, she taught art in area high schools for seven years. In 1994, she moved to the U.S and kept painting and teaching as a professional artist and art instructor.
Louise is deeply influenced by the magnificent 5000 year-old Chinese culture. In her paintings, she uses two traditional techniques: Xei Yi (spontaneous style) and Gong Bi (detailed style) with watercolor on rice paper. Through the years, the wisdom that is found in the stories of life and the lessons that are observed in nature have inspired her to create artwork that calls for a deeper reflection. Louise spurs herself on creating the artwork that lasts and hopes her art resonates with the viewer.
Artist's Statement
Louise Chen (Ju-Yu Chen) is an artist originally from Taiwan. She works in the medium of Chinese brush painting and is deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture. In Louise’s paintings, she expresses not only the symbolic meanings from her traditional culture, but also the hidden wisdom from Nature; such as tranquility, simplicity, balance and perseverance. She spends time observing nature before she paints.
In her paintings, she uses two traditional techniques – 寫意 “Xei Yi” (spontaneous style) and 工筆 “Gong Bi” (detailed style). Her subjects are about Nature and include bamboo, flowers, birds, animals, and landscapes.
Her education placed emphasis on the Six Principles of Chinese Painting which were established by 謝赫 “Xie He” in 6th century China. The Six Principles are:
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Life force - Chi is transferred from the artist into the painting.
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Texture and brush strokes - Paint different subjects with specific brush strokes for each subject.
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Using shape and line to depict the form - According to the objects being painted, the shape must look like the object.
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Color accordingly - The application of color, including layers, value and tone should represent the subject realistically.
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Placing the arrangement - The artist first has a vision of the painting, and then manages the composition, flow and depth accordingly.
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Mimic and describe - Learn technique through copying the masters.
After living in the United States for twenty two years, Louise’s traditional Chinese artistic style has been positively influenced by her experiences in the Western culture. She continues to deepen her artistic language by following her passion for expressing the wisdom found in Nature.
Resume
EDUCATION
MA 2016 - 2018 Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Natchitoches, LA
BA 1983 - 1987 National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan
WORK/TEACHING EXPERIENCE
• 2017-Present International Partnership Liaison, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI
• 2014-2017 Associate Director, Ming Chuan University-Michigan Campus, University Center, MI
• 2005-Present On-line critique on students’ art work by using FaceTime and emails
• 1997-Present Art Instructor, Louise Chen Art Studio, Midland, MI
• 2000-16 Art Instructor, Midland Center for the Arts, Midland, MI
• 2012-14 Art Instructor, Midland Senior Center, Midland, MI
• 2012-14 Exhibition Committee Midland Artist Guild Association, Midland, MI
• 2009-11 Art Instructor, Chinese Cultural Ongoing Program, Midland, MI
• 2003-11 Art Instructor, Midland Chinese School, Midland, MI
• 2002-04 Administrator of Art Department in Circle Gallery, Midland, MI
• 1999-2000 Art Instructor, Midland Community Center, Midland, MI
• 1991-1994 Art Teacher, Taipei Municipal Zhongshan Girls High School, Taipei, Taiwan
• 1987-1990 Art Teacher, Taipei Municipal Jinghua Junior High School, Taipei, Taiwan
AWARDS
2004 Merit Award from Midland Artist Guild Annual Juried Art Exhibition
2005 Merit Award from Midland Artist Guild Annual Juried Art Exhibition
2010 Molly’s Bistro Award from Midland Artist Guild Annual Juried Art Exhibition
2012 Best of 2D Award from 2004 Midland Artist Guild Annual Juried Art Exhibition
2013 Best of the show and People’s choice Award from Midland Artist Guild Annual Juried Art Exhibition
2014 Best of the show Award from Midland Artist Guild Annual Juried Art Exhibition
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My teaching philosophy has developed from both my professional art career and my learning environment as a young child. I have fond memories of spending my childhood days in my mother’s art studio in Taiwan. Watching my mother, an award-winning artist and a high school art teacher, taught me what it takes to be a successful art educator and it inspired me to pursue this career from a very young age.
I began my serious art training when I was fifteen years old. For three years I traveled for two hours by bus and on foot to Yangming Mountain every Sunday to study Traditional Style Chinese painting and Calligraphy from Master You-Jyun Wang. From Master Wang I learned that the foundation of success as an artist is in developing a humble attitude as a student, self-discipline and consistency in practice.
These principles empowered me to graduate with both a degree in Art and as an Art Educator from the prestigious National Taiwan Normal University. My education included a strong foundation in Western 2-D art, as well as Chinese painting. I am highly proficient in integrating the skills and a technique of both Chinese and Western art and this skill has developed into my unique pedagogy.
Pivotal to my teaching methods are demonstrations and individual one-on-one instruction. An example of my teaching style: when I teach the subject of ‘Bamboo’ I begin by explaining the symbolic meaning of Bamboo in Chinese paintings; I bring a live bamboo plant to class so that the students are able to patiently observe the character of bamboo. I also prepare a PowerPoint presentation showing the many varieties of bamboo and I show examples of famous bamboo paintings by Chinese masters.
Then I proceed with step-by-step demonstrations explaining the various techniques that are used in painting this subject; for example, how to load the brush with ink, and how to make the necessary brush strokes. While the students are practicing what was covered in the demonstration, I provide individual attention to each student’s work; encouraging their strengths and answering their questions. This has proven to be a very successful teaching method for both Western and Eastern art classes to students of all ages.
The heart of my teaching philosophy is to engage, challenge and inspire my students to gain the confidence, self-awareness, and technical skills necessary to be successful in their academic courses as well as equip them for their professional careers. It is my nature to be sensitive and respectful to students from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. I am passionate about providing a well prepared classroom environment that emphasizes a disciplined approach designed to cultivate individual potential.