Even Masters Feel Doubt

Chien Chung Wei reveals how he deals with the ups and downs of painting.

“My only philosophy of art: to accomplish a profound and unique painting,” says Chien Chung Wei.

“Seine Blue” (watercolor, 22 x 30 in.)

“I am not so much developing a style, but rather constantly exploring and seeking the essence of painting (or of watercolor) and the ways to express the essence more beautifully, more loftily, and with more meaning and value. No need to seek out my own style, because “I” am Style.

“The ultimate happiness of a creator often comes from the search for self-fulfillment. Striving to create heart-touching paintings is the true origin and the end. It’s just that simple!

“Old Town” (watercolor, 15 x 11 in.)

“Compared with 10-plus years ago, now I don’t use exquisite strokes and I give up all the special techniques. I choose subjects from daily life, set up a clean composition, and try to get back to the original state of “simple watercolor.” I never knew that the past decade or so was just a detour; only now I am really getting to know what transparent watercolor painting is.

“Interestingly, every time I’m in the middle of working on a painting, I feel so convinced that I am a rare genius! However, when I finish the work, the defiant and agitated confidence is completely lost because of the flaws that have gradually accumulated during the painting process. And that is the moment I feel the pain of aiming higher than I can achieve. On the other hand, this is the kind of pain that keeps me constantly improving myself and striving to create masterpieces of immortal value.

“Moscow at Dusk” (watercolor, 11 x 15 in.)

“I just want to speak the truth and paint with sincerity. That’s it!

“Thank God for making me meet such an amazing painting medium like watercolor! I will definitely make every effort to create immortal masterpieces until I die. This journey of painting has just begun.”


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Kelly Kane
PleinAir Magazine and American Watercolor Weekly Editor-in-Chief With more than 20 years experience in art publishing, Kelly Kane has served previously as Editor-in-Chief of Watercolor Artist magazine and Content Director for The Artist’s Magazine, Drawing, Acrylic Artist, and Pastel Journal. She has interviewed many of the preeminent artists of our time and written numerous articles about painting, drawing, art education and art history. She is now the Editor-in-Chief of PleinAir Magazine and the American Watercolor Weekly newsletter. Click here to send her an email.

1 COMMENT

  1. Wow! What wonderful thoughts! My favorite statement is “The ultimate happiness of a creator often comes from the search for self-fulfillment. Striving to create heart-touching paintings is the true origin and the end. It’s just that simple!”

    Love your painting style and philosophy, Chien Chung Wei

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