Chinese Brush Painting
Traditional Chinese brush painting provides the foundation of my artistic language. The expressive qualities of ink, brush movement and negative space continue to inspire every new work.
ShoJen Dowell
Chinese Brush Painter • Watercolour Artist • Musician • Tutor
Original paintings inspired by nature, music, Chinese calligraphy and the meeting of Eastern and Western artistic traditions.
About ShoJen
I am a Cambridge-based artist and musician whose artistic journey began in Taiwan, where I studied at the Tainan University of Technology.
Drawing has always been part of my life. As a child I was fascinated by colour, line and texture, experimenting with every material I could find. Formal training in Chinese calligraphy and painting from an early age laid the foundations for a lifelong exploration of both Eastern and Western artistic traditions.
Today my work combines Chinese brush painting, watercolour, ink, oils and mixed media. My paintings are influenced by music, literature, philosophy and the natural world, each piece reflecting a personal response to places, memories and emotions.
Artistic Journey
Before entering art school I had already received extensive tuition in both traditional Chinese painting and Western art. These two disciplines continue to influence every painting I create, encouraging a balance between expressive brushwork, careful composition and contemporary interpretation.
Chinese calligraphy remains central to my work. The movement of the brush, rhythm of the stroke and importance of empty space are ideas that continue to shape both my paintings and my creative thinking.
My musical education has had an equally profound influence on my artistic practice. Rather than seeing painting and music as separate disciplines, I see rhythm, harmony, structure and expression flowing naturally between them. A painting is often composed much like a piece of music, with movement, balance and moments of quiet allowing the eye to travel naturally across the work.
Artistic Influences
Music
Years of performing and teaching piano have shaped the way I construct paintings. Rhythm, harmony and contrast influence composition just as much as colour and line.
Nature
Birds, flowers, waterways and changing seasons provide an endless source of inspiration. Rather than simply recording what I see, I try to express the feeling and atmosphere of a place.
East & West
My work combines the philosophy and techniques of Eastern painting with the freedom and colour of Western media, creating artwork that reflects both traditions without being limited by either.
Demonstrations & Workshops
Following many years as a piano teacher throughout Cambridgeshire, I devoted more time to painting and to sharing my knowledge with others through demonstrations and practical workshops.
Since 2012 I have demonstrated Chinese brush painting and watercolour techniques for more than sixty art societies and painting groups across the United Kingdom. Every event provides an opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow artists while encouraging others to discover the expressive possibilities of ink and brush.
Interested in arranging a demonstration?
Art societies, community groups and organisations are welcome to enquire about demonstrations, workshops and talks.
Art Societies
Throughout my career I have enjoyed working alongside many talented artists and continue to value the friendships and inspiration that come from belonging to local art organisations.
Cambridge Drawing Society
A long-established society supporting artists through exhibitions, workshops and opportunities to exhibit work.
Cambridge District Art Circle
An active community of artists encouraging creative development through regular meetings and exhibitions.
Royston Art Society
Sharing ideas, techniques and exhibitions with artists from across the region.
Explore the Gallery
Browse a collection of original paintings inspired by Chinese brush techniques, watercolour, mixed media and the natural world.
Whether you are looking for an original painting, would like to arrange a commission, or simply wish to enjoy the collection, the gallery showcases work created over many years.