Laura (Yi Zhen) Chen

Kids Playing with Balloon, Original Painting

2023

Artist Comments
Artist Laura (Yi Zhen) Chen depicts a quiet afternoon in the alleyway of an old town. Three kids leap into the air and play with a red balloon. The bold orange, red, and brown hues render a narrow street with attractive doorways and awnings. "It is reminiscent of a simple time when kids play mostly outside, and their toys seem simple too," says Laura.

About the Artist
Laura begins the painting process by taking multiple photographs, which she then combines and sketches into one composition. She takes a spontaneous approach to color, and often finds that her final paintings are quite different than her original intentions. As such, her color palette is vibrant and at times unexpected. Laura’s artwork is executed with stylized modernism, featuring heavy outlines and dramatic shadows. Much of her subject matter is architectural. “I especially like historical buildings in my area,” says Laura. “I am fascinated by the geometric shapes of the old buildings, their varieties and repetitions, their dramatic color contrast. To me, their simple structures have personality and dignity.” Laura works best when her studio is clean and well organized, and finds inspiration in the “miles of good paintings” hanging in the world’s great museums.

Words that describe this painting: expressionism, fauvism, old town, town, Europe, kids, playing, balloon, alleyway, alley, buildings, architecture, travel, road, facade, children, acrylicpaint, windows, road, architecture, expressionism, travel, acrylic painting, blue, orange

Kids Playing with Balloon
Laura (Yi Zhen) Chen
Acrylic painting on stretched linen
Finished white edges
Ready to hang
One-of-a-kind
Signed on front
2023
24 in. h x 18 in. w x 1.5 in. d
0 lbs. 12 oz.