“One thing about me, is that I’m never satisfied,” said Lucy Wang, as she pointed to the colorful paintings on display in her Balboa Park studio located in the heart of the Spanish Village, where sunlight shines through the bright canopies of artist workshops.
For almost 40 years, Wang, an internationally recognized artist and instructor of Chinese watercolor brush painting, has enthralled audiences and students in her “artistic sanctuary” with her unique three-dimensional watercolor on silk, a style that she developed herself. According to Wang, her art reflects her love of nature through its detailed brushwork, blending Western techniques and Chinese traditions in perfect harmony.
Wang’s artistic career began to blossom at the National Taiwan College of Arts (now known as the National Taiwan University of Arts), a prominent institution and hub for renowned artists where she majored in Chinese brush painting and was trained by professor Chiung-Li Wang (no relation to Lucy), a master of Chinese ink painting and calligraphy.
Despite her traditional training, Wang’s relentless pursuit of innovation set her apart from her peers at college.
“When I was in school, I sought to create something beyond the traditional, unlike my classmates,” Wang said. “My paintings are three-dimensional because I layer traditional Chinese painting on silk with another layer of paper behind it so I essentially paint on two layers.”
Her revolutionary painting method did more than just turn heads; it ignited a movement. After Wang’s appearance on Lynette Jennings Design on the Discovery Channel, Wang’s distinctive style attracted attention on a national scale. Her art creations have found their way into homes across the world after being chosen for holiday cards by organizations such as UNICEF, the Smithsonian, the National Geographic Society and the National Audubon Society.
Additionally, several local cable TV networks carried her educational TV show, The Magic of Chinese Brush Painting, which helped spread her enthusiasm and knowledge even more.
Wang has also written more than 10 books during her career thus far. Some of her most popular works are The Art of Chinese Brush Painting, Watercolor on Rice Paper and Watercolor: Chinese Brush (How to Draw & Paint). Wang’s books have been translated into French and Russian and can be found at bookstores across the world.
“Im proud of my work,” Wang said. “[Having my] books translated into French and Russian and sold worldwide has been a significant achievement.”
Her studio, a beloved fixture in the Spanish Village, is more than just a workspace; it is a testament to her dedication and passion.
“My studio means so much to me,” she said. “Its actually an art gallery, but I call it my studio. I’ve been here for 37 years, and it feels like home.”
Albert He, a customer browsing the artwork in Wang’s studio, expressed his admiration: “I’m also a creative person, so its so inspiring to see someone living my dream — going to art school, owning a studio, teaching art and creating art. Lucy’s story is so moving.”
Despite her various accolades and experiences with watercolor, Wang said that she wants to challenge herself by trying oil painting and “to never stop learning.”
As Wang looks back on her illustrious career, she says that her pride is “not just in her art but also in the community she has nurtured through her teaching.”
And to be sure, Wang’s contributions to the art world go well beyond her paintings. Over the course of her teaching career, she has had a tremendous impact on numerous students at her Balboa Park studio, the University of California San Diego Craft Center and workshops across the country.“I love teaching not just to help students but also to form lasting friendships,” Wang said. “Many of my students have stayed with me for years, and we’ve become good friends. Introducing them to Chinese brush painting culture has been a joy.”
Ma is a senior at Torrey Pines High School and lives in San Diego.
Lucy Wangs work can be seen at lucywang.com.