Artwork Description

Title: Poplar
Artist: Li Yan
Date: 2009
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 50 x 60 cm

Artwork Identification:
In Poplar, Li Yan captures a dynamic grove of poplar trees lining a reflective body of water. The brightly colored foliage, swaying rhythmically to an unseen breeze, is mirrored in the rippling water below. The vivid palette and energetic brushstrokes convey the seasonal transformation and vitality of the natural landscape.

Artistic Style and Influences:
This expressive oil painting reflects Li Yan’s modern impressionist approach, where the emotional impact of color and gesture takes precedence over representational precision. The swirling brushwork and broken color suggest a deep familiarity with both Chinese landscape tradition and Western post-impressionism.

Historical Context:
Painted in 2009, Poplar reveals Li Yan’s continued engagement with rural and natural subject matter. Poplars are a recurring motif in Chinese landscape art and literature, often symbolizing endurance, growth, and harmony with nature. This work situates itself within that cultural lineage while embracing contemporary painterly experimentation.

Provenance:
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation:
The artwork is in very good condition. The paint surface is stable, with no visible cracks or losses. The canvas retains excellent color vibrancy and structural integrity.

Artistic Significance:
Poplar is a spirited portrayal of nature’s energy, showcasing Li Yan’s sensitivity to both movement and mood. Its bold chromatic contrasts and layered reflections invite viewers to contemplate the beauty and impermanence of the landscape—hallmarks of the artist’s poetic vision.