'Nude Girl31' by Shaoli Chen is an evocative oil painting that features a female nude figure seated on a chair. The model is gazing downward in a thoughtful, melancholic pose. A white drapery cascades from her lap, connecting her figure to the vibrant red and yellow carpet on the floor. Adding a narrative dimension to the composition, an intricately dressed doll and a star-patterned ball lie beside her. In the background, a circular decorative element reflects the ochre tones of the doll's garments, enhancing the chromatic harmony and complexity of the piece.

Details:
Artist: Shaoli Chen
Title: 'Nude Girl31'
Date: 2019
Medium: Oil painting on cardboard
Dimensions: 65 x 34 cm
Condition Report: Very good
Features: Seal, signature, and date lower right

About the Artist:
Shaoli Chen is a highly respected professor at Nanjing University of the Arts, where he mentors master's students. Born in 1950 in Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, Chen earned his bachelor's degree in oil painting in 1976 and his master's degree in Arts in 1989 from Nanjing University of the Arts. He is a member of the China Artists Association and serves as the Executive Director of the Jiangsu Oil Painting Society. Chen's artwork blends traditional realism with contemporary techniques, capturing the subtleties of human emotion and the richness of natural settings.

Artistic Philosophy:
Chen advocates for the vitality found in plein air painting and life studies, emphasizing the importance of direct observation and emotional engagement in art. His works reflect a deep understanding of life's complexities, rendered with technical precision and emotional depth. Chen believes that stepping out of the studio to engage directly with nature and real-life subjects infuses his work with freshness and authenticity, setting it apart from more stylized and conceptualized contemporary art.

Major Exhibitions and Awards:
"Silk Road" - Fifth National Art Exhibition, collected by Jiangsu Provincial Art Museum
"People's Condolences" - Sixth National Art Exhibition
"Small Scenery of Stone Pond" - Seventh National Art Exhibition, acquired by Beijing Rongbaozhai
"Zu Chongzhi" - First National Science Popularization Art Exhibition
"Alleys in Southern Anhui" - Jiangsu Provincial Art Exhibition, Excellent Work Award
"Leishan Miao Girl" - Jiangsu Provincial Art Exhibition, Excellent Work Award
"Miao Village Early Collection" - 2001 Jiangsu Provincial Art Exhibition, Excellence Award
"Famille Flowers in a Vase" - 2005 Jiangsu Provincial Art Exhibition, Excellence Award
"Small Scenery in Southern Anhui" - Landscape·Landscape National Small Oil Painting Exhibition (2006, Shanghai), Excellence Award
"Post-80s" - 2008 China Hundred Jinling Painting Exhibition (oil painting), Gold Award (Nanjing)
"Come on! Soaring China" - Jiangsu Province Art and Calligraphy Exhibition, Creation Award, 30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening Up (Nanjing)
"Youth in Progress" - Eleventh National Art Exhibition (Wuhan)
"Green Book" - Oil Painting Exhibition of Six Provinces and One City in East China (Jinan)
"Happy Year of the Tiger" - 7th Jiangsu Provincial Oil Painting Exhibition, Excellence Award and Phoenix Excellence Award (Nanjing)
"Happy New Year" - Humanistic Jiangnan, My Land and My People Series Oil Painting Exhibition (Hangzhou)
"Nanjing 2014" - Ninety-Ninety-Ninety Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai Famous Artists Art Exhibition (Shanghai)
"Sunset" - Nanjing University of the Arts Centennial Celebration Art Exhibition (Beijing)
"Beacon in the South of the Yangtze River" - Jiangsu Province Major Theme Fine Arts Creation Project (Phase I) Works Exhibition (Nanjing)
"Holiday" - Elegant Era, Excellence Award of Art Works Exhibition of Colleges and Universities in Jiangsu Province (Nanjing)

Chen's artistic journey reflects a deep commitment to capturing the essence of human experience and the beauty of the natural world. His works have been exhibited nationally and internationally, earning him numerous awards and accolades. His dedication to life studies and plein air painting continues to inspire and influence the contemporary art scene in China and beyond.