The Charm of Lotus Pond 2003

Wu Guanzhong created this painting, The Charm of Lotus Pond, with expressive brushstrokes that capture a vivid scene. The artmaking process here seems intuitive, a dance between observation and emotional response. Looking closely, you can see how Wu Guanzhong layered the paint. The greens and blues feel like they are breathing, applied in thick, juicy strokes that give the pond life. There's a particular spot, a cluster of orange and white petals, where the texture really pops. The paint is built up, almost sculptural, giving those lotus blossoms a palpable presence. It's not about photorealism, but about the feeling of being immersed in this vibrant, watery world. This reminds me of Joan Mitchell’s landscapes, where the natural world is filtered through a lens of personal expression. Ultimately, this painting invites us to slow down, breathe in the colours, and find our own charm within it.