Flower Dance

Li Hsien Cheng was the Second Prize Winner in International Artist magazine’s Challenge No. 143 Cityscapes.

Watercolorist Li Hsien Cheng was born and currently lives in Taiwan. A high school teacher who teaches advertising design, Cheng loves the effect that color and light have on people’s emotions. “I want to represent them through my painting,” she says. “When I engage in painting, it transcends mere copying. It’s a profound expression of my inner thoughts and emotions. It is a journey of self discovery, a means to find and truly see myself. Each artwork I create captures different facets of my life, conveyed through the interplay of light, colors, and the contrasts of brightness and darkness.”

The Flora Dance, watercolor

Cheng is particularly inspired by a poignant quote from the Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara: “There are as many things I want to try as there are mountains, and my desires are endless. But the most important thing is to constantly reflect on what you truly wish to pursue.”

“In response to this, I find that my deepest aspiration lies in the creative process itself,” Cheng continues. “It allows me to experience the joy and elation within my heart, and it is my sincere hope that this beauty resonates with the world, fostering a dialogue with each observer.”

The Spring Smiling, watercolor

The artist creates watercolor florals that bleed vibrant splashes of color. Her painting The Flora Dance depicts a bouquet bursting with roses and other blooms in shades of coral, gold and magenta. “This artwork is inspired by the unique atmosphere of dawn. The combination of colors and brushstrokes aims to capture the fleeting light and shadows, allowing viewers to feel the hope of a new day and the spiral of life, evoking inner peace and imagination,” says Cheng.

The Flora Smiling watercolor

In The Dream Of Purple, the artist captures a medley of different flowers in various shades of lilac, lavender and violet. A nearly monochromatic palette, the background is a deep violet-blue.

She says, “In the artwork, the bright light and shadow dance upon the sheer petals, shimmering from deep violet to subtly sweet lavender, creating a dream-like atmosphere. The piece is not only a reproduction of images but also a profound reflection on life and beauty.”