NEW YORK, NY.- Chinese watercolor artist Yong Wang continues to rise on the international art stage, earning significant acclaim through major exhibitions and top-tier awards across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Greece, Malaysia, and Austria. His works, known for their profound emotional depth and meticulous realism, have been repeatedly selected for some of the world’s most prestigious watercolor exhibitions and publications.
In 2025, Yong Wang’s painting Sangji Zhuoma was selected for the 158th Annual Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society (AWS)—one of the highest honors in global watercolor —and was sold during the exhibition. In the same year, his works Dunzhu Ciren and Oluo Sangjie Ciren were selected for the 213th Exhibition of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours (RI) in London, with Oluo Sangjie Ciren entering a UK private collection.
Yong Wang’s record of achievement extends across multiple years. His work Jizhu was selected for the 157th AWS International Exhibition in 2024, following his 2023 selection for the 156th AWS Exhibition with Luosang Qupei. Meanwhile, his 2023 work Sangji Zhuoma for the RI 211th Exhibition was also acquired by a UK collector—marking multiple international sales and recognition from European collectors.
His influence in North America also continues to grow. His painting Yu Lian was selected for the Federation of Canadian Artists’ 2023 LIMITLESS Exhibition, and Brother, I Miss You was chosen for the 97th Annual Open Water Exhibition by the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (CSPWC). His work Ah Ma received a Commended Award at Watercolor International (WI), Greece, while Qingke earned both an Honorable Mention and an Excellence Award in international juried competitions.
Yong Wang’s artistic achievements have also been recognized by leading American art publications. His works A Mei, Dhundrup Tsering, and Lao Huoji were awarded and featured in Splash 24, 25, and 26 — The Best of Watercolor, published in Artists Magazine.
His artworks have been acquired by private collectors across Europe, North America, and China, including six works collected during a three-person exhibition in Vienna sponsored by Europe Times. His award-winning 2010 painting Forging, recipient of the Top Award at the Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolor Biennale, was also collected by the biennale’s organizing committee.
Known for his compelling depictions of Tibetan figures, cultural narratives, and scenes from daily life, Yong Wang combines technical mastery with profound emotional expression— positioning him as one of the most distinctive watercolor artists emerging from China today.
“Forging”—
Awards and Collection: This artwork received a top award at the Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolor Biennale and is collected by the event organizers.
Artist’s Statement:
“The inspiration for Forging comes from my long-standing attention to ordinary laborers and the quiet strength embedded in everyday work. The most common scenes of life often reveal a kind of resilience and dignity that deeply moves me. Through this painting, I wanted to present the genuine value of these workers and the warmth of their daily existence. For me, art grows out of life, and emotion arises from real experience. Forging is a natural result of years spent grounding my creative practice in direct observation and lived reality.”
“They” —
Awards and Collection: Selected for the 11th National Art Exhibition and received the Silver Award of Hebei Province,China.
Artist’s Statement:
“Before creating They, I made several trips to a shipyard located about thirty kilometers from the city. I stayed with the workers, observed their routines, and immersed myself in their environment. The authentic moments I witnessed—their focus, their physical strength, and the beauty that emerges even in harsh working conditions—left a deep impression on me. With this work, I hoped to express my respect for this group of laborers and to record the sincerity and weight of northern life that I have experienced. Life has always been the source of my inspiration, and They is one of its most direct expressions.”
“Sangji Zhuoma ”—
Awards and Collection: Selected for the 158th Annual Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society and sold during the exhibition.
Artist’s Statement:
“The scene depicted in my work is set in Lhasa, Tibet, where elderly women holding prayer wheels can be seen everywhere. The deep and delicate lines on their faces are the gifts of an ordinary life, etched by time itself. Each of these women appears kind,
peaceful, and profoundly approachable. Most of them hold their prayer wheels as they walk, and although the times continue to change, their cherished attire remains the traditional Tibetan dress. They face wind, snow, and the passing of seasons with calm resilience, accepting the marks of time with grace and dignity.
Through this piece, I hope to honor their quiet strength, their enduring faith, and the beauty that resides in their everyday existence.”
“Jizhu”—
Awards and Collection: Selected for the 157th Annual Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society.
Artist’s Statement:
“The scene in my work is set on Barkhor Street in Lhasa, where a young Tibetan girl is seen. She is engaged in the practice of prostrating, a profound act of faith. Her small figure carries a sense of solemnity and determination. The vibrant colors of her clothing contrast with the soft, blurred background, highlighting her presence. Every detail, from her tousled hair to the straps of her bag, tells a story of a life intertwined with tradition and belief. Through this piece, I aim to capture the purity of her spirit, the depth of her faith, and the unique charm of her cultural heritage, letting viewers feel the power of devotion and the beauty of innocence in this sacred land. ”
“Lobsang Choepel”—
Awards and Collection: Selected for the 156th Annual Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society.
Artist’s Statement:
“The scene in my work is set on Barkhor Street in Lhasa, where a man in traditional Tibetan clothing is praying. His hands are clasped, and the prayer beads in his palms seem to carry the weight of countless devotions. The deep purple of his robe blends with the ancient, spiritual air of the street. Every fold of the fabric, every solemn line on his face, tells a story of faith that has endured through time. Through this piece, I aim to honor his unwavering belief, the tranquility of the moment, and the timeless connection between the people and this sacred land. The soft, misty background lets his figure and his devotion stand out, capturing the essence of a life intertwined with tradition and spiritual pursuit. ”
“Olo·Sangjie Ciren”—
Exhibition: Selected for the 213th Exhibition of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours (RI), UK. Collection: Acquired by a private collector in the United Kingdom.
Artist’s Statement:
“Portrait of a little boy from the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. He has dark skin, chiseled facial features and wears the most innocent and pure smile. The wildness and innocence of Tibetan boys are perfectly combined in him.”
“Dhunzhu Ciren”—
Exhibition: Selected for the 213th Exhibition of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours (RI), UK.
Artist’s Statement:
“In Lhasa, Tibet of China, I met an elderly person on Barkhor Street. He was around 70 to 80 years old. The title "Dhondup Tsering" means in Tibetan that everything has been accomplished and implies a wish for a long life. The wrinkles, deep and shallow, on his face are the gifts bestowed by the ordinary years. The elderly person looked so kind, peaceful and approachable. He wore a bracelet of 108 Buddhist beads on his wrist and was dressed in traditional Tibetan clothing, facing the wind, frost, rain and snow with composure and accepting the baptism of the years with equanimity.”
“Lao Huoji”—
Award: Honorable Mention Award, Splash 26 – The Best of Watercolor, U.S.A. Publication: Featured in Artists Magazine, July 2025
Artist’s Statement:
The "Lao Huoji" is a Jiefang brand truck in the painting. It was produced in China more than 30 years ago and was abandoned in the wasteland. My father used to be a truck driver. When I was a child, I often took rides in my father's truck, so I have deep feelings for trucks.
“A Me”—
Award: Special Award, Splash 25 – The Best of Watercolor, U.S.A. Publication: Featured in Artists Magazine, July 2024
Artist’s Statement:
“The picture shows Miao people playing musical instruments and gathering together to sing and dance in a Miao village in Guizhou, China. While Miao girl A Mei was resting, I collected materials and came back to the studio to organize a watercolor portrait. A Mei is in her twenties, with a sparkling complexion and snowy skin. She has a small dimple on her oval face, which is very beautiful and dignified. She wore a silver crown on her head, a silver collar on her neck, and was dressed in Miao costumes. When the girls walked together, they were even more colorful and dazzling, creating a world of silver jewelry. Silver jewelry is a symbol of auspiciousness, brightness, and wealth in the Miao ethnic group.”
“Ah Ma”—
Award: Award of Excellence, 2nd Greece International Online Watercolor Exhibition, 2022
Artist’s Statement:
“The scene in my work is set on Barkhor Street in Lhasa. An elder, clad in a vivid yellow garment and a white hat, holds a prayer wheel in hand. The bright hue of the clothing contrasts with the soft, hazy background, making the figure stand out with a sense of solemnity and warmth. The prayer wheel, adorned with delicate details, and the accessories around the neck, each carry the weight of years of faith and tradition. Every wrinkle on the face seems to tell a story of a life intertwined with devotion, of moments spent in quiet prayer and the embrace of cultural heritage.
Through this piece, I aim to capture the serene strength of the elder, the unwavering faith that shines in every gesture, and the timeless beauty of this sacred land’s spiritual essence. The watercolor medium allows the colors to blend and flow, mirroring the fluidity of time and the enduring nature of belief, letting viewers feel the profound connection between the people and their age-old traditions. ”
