Orange and Yellow Sunflowers 

Walasse Ting created this work using fluid strokes of watercolor and ink, materials readily available and allowing for spontaneity. Ting's gestural approach emphasizes the physical act of painting. Notice how the translucent watercolors pool and blend, creating luminous effects. The bold strokes of ink define the sunflowers' forms, adding depth and dimension, while the transparent nature of watercolor means Ting built up layers of color, allowing the white of the paper to shine through. This method departs from the highly controlled techniques of traditional Chinese painting, reflecting Ting's embrace of Western modernism. Yet, his work retains an Eastern sensibility in its emphasis on intuition, and an appreciation for the inherent qualities of the materials. The simplicity of watercolor and ink underscores the importance of direct expression, blurring the lines between intention and accident. By understanding the materials and the process, we can better appreciate Ting's unique fusion of artistic traditions.