Jian Wu is a Chinese-American artist known for his contemporary realistic oil paintings and figure drawings.
“I have always been fascinated by the way light reveals the inner life of a subject.”
He graduated from the prestigious Art College of Qing Hua University (formerly Central Art and Crafts College of China) in 1984. In 1993, he went to study at the Graduate School of Academy of Art University in San Francisco, joined the faculty shortly after, and received his Master of Fine Art degree in 2000. For over 25 years, he has taught painting and drawing, first at the Academy of Art University and later at Ohlone College in Fremont.
Jian Wu at a glance
- Nationality: Chinese-American
- Known for: Realistic oil paintings and figure drawings
- Medium: Oil painting, drawing and pastel
- Education: Art College of Qing Hua University in China, then a Master of Fine Art from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco
- Teaching: Over 25 years, at the Academy of Art University and Ohlone College
- Based in: California
- Memberships: Master member of NOAPS, signature member of Oil Painters of America
- Books: Pastel Technique and The Overseas Oil Painter of China: Jian Wu
- Graduated from Qing Hua University Art College in 1984.
- Moved to the US in 1993 and joined the Academy of Art University faculty.
- Master member of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society (NOAPS).
- Signature member of the Oil Painters of America.
- Won numerous awards including the Best of Show and Best Use of Light and Color.
His early works included sculpture and copper relief commissions for China’s five-star hotels, and his designs were exhibited in many national art shows. He has had solo exhibitions and participated in group shows, winning awards in nationwide professional art competitions. His work “Summer at Niles” won the Best in Lighting and Color for the Best of America 2005 award, and he has also won two Exceptional Merit Awards from the International Portrait Competition.
He is a master artist with NOAPS and has also published two books: *Pastel Technique* (China Youth Press) and *The Overseas Oil Painter of China—Jian Wu* (Tianjin People’s Fine Arts Publishing House). His works have been collected throughout the United States and the world. He currently works as a full-time artist focusing on his studio art and workshops.
“His brushwork, with calligraphic influences, serves as a bridge between classical aesthetics and contemporary storytelling.”
