Artwork Description

Title: Lunch on the Grass
Artist: Shaoli Chen
Date: n.d.
Medium: Watercolor and ink on paper
Dimensions: 29.9 x 28.3 in (76 x 72 cm)

Artwork Identification
Lunch on the Grass is a captivating watercolor and ink composition by Shaoli Chen, featuring two fashionable young women reclining on a patterned mat against a wash of cool green. The piece elegantly blends traditional Chinese brushwork with contemporary subject matter, showcasing the artist’s signature fusion of classical technique and modern themes.

Artistic Style and Influences
Chen’s style is characterized by fluid ink lines, delicate color washes, and a focus on decorative elegance. In this work, casual elements like denim, soda bottles, and bare feet are rendered with an almost playful intimacy. The figures’ relaxed yet self-aware poses reflect Shaoli Chen’s nuanced exploration of modern femininity and social leisure, expressed through a refined painterly language.

Historical Context
Born in 1950, Shaoli Chen belongs to a generation of Chinese artists who witnessed the shift from traditional forms to modern expressions in both education and subject matter. Lunch on the Grass bridges these two worlds—recalling classical Chinese figure painting while engaging with present-day life and visual culture.

Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition, with vibrant color retention and no visible damage or discoloration to the paper.

Artistic Significance
Shaoli Chen’s work is widely appreciated for its sensitivity, cultural resonance, and technical grace. Lunch on the Grass embodies his ability to capture contemporary life through a classical lens—making it a distinctive example of modern Chinese ink painting that appeals to both collectors and connoisseurs.