DAN XU
Art Discipline(s)
- Visual Arts
Saint John | (506) 642-3110
Preferred School District(s)
- ASD-South
Preferred Grade Level(s)
- K-2
- 3-5
- 6-8
- 9-12
Can provide residency in
- English
Indigenous Artist
- No
Completed Policy 701
- Yes
Space/Material Requirements
- Classroom, pen/brush, Chinese xuan paper and ink
Bio
Dan Xu is a contemporary Chinese-Canadian artist best known for her unique approach to landscape painting. She was born and raised in China, where she developed a love of art and a fascination with traditional Chinese painting techniques. After immigrating to Canada in 2001, Dan continued to explore her passion for art, focusing on landscape Plein air painting as a way to connect with the natural world and to share her vision with others.
Dan's work is characterized by her use of classic Chinese ink and wash techniques, which she combines with contemporary approaches to create evocative and immersive works that capture the beauty and power of the natural world. She is particularly interested in exploring the theme of flight and movement, using her paintings to create a sense of suspension and freedom that allows viewers to experience the landscapes she depicts in a new and unique way.
Dan's work has been widely exhibited both in Canada and internationally, and she has received numerous awards and accolades for her art. Her latest series of paintings, «The Bay of Fundy», is a stunning example of her approach, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the landscapes of eastern Canada through a bird's-eye view perspective. Dan's work has been praised for its technical skill, its emotional resonance, and its ability to transport viewers to new and wondrous worlds.
Dan is committed to using her art to create connections between people and the natural world and to explore new and innovative approaches to landscape painting. She sees her art as a way to celebrate the beauty and complexity of the world around us, and to inspire others to see the world in new and exciting ways. Dan enjoys displaying her art techniques in several mediums including paper, canvas, and ceramic.
Residency Project
A) Teaching Content:
- Color Knowledge: Learn the basics of colors and how to mix them.
- How to Draw Trees: Learn how to draw trees, including techniques for tree trunks and leaves.
- Creative Composition Principles: Learn how to place elements in a picture to create an attractive composition.
B) Application:
- Prepare a large canvas for students to collaborate on.
- Collaborative Painting: Students work together to choose and mix background colors, draw their favorite Tree or subject, and adjust the composition.
C) End of the Course:
- Individual Artworks: Each student completes their own landscape painting.
- Collaborative Big Painting: The entire collaborative artwork can be displayed to showcase students' cooperation and creativity.
This project will help students improve their painting skills while fostering cooperation and creative thinking. Encourage students to share their experiences and lessons learned to promote deeper learning and growth.
Teaching Experience
2023 Chinese painting workshop at Saint John Arts Club
2021 Fine Art workshops at Saint John Arts Centre
2021 Chinese Painting workshop at Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre
2019-2020 ArtsSmarts program and Art Residency, Bayside School Saint John
2018 Chinese painting Workshop at Beaverbrook Art Gallery
2015-2018 Taught young students at my workshop every weekend, held young student exhibitions and made a book for students
1995–2000 Worked as a Fine Art teacher at Shenzhen Hai-Bin Middle School in China
1992–1995 Worked as a Fine Art teacher at Shenzhen Bao-Cheng Primary School in China
