Busacca Gallery

A stunning bust of an African warrior, this unique and original drawing showcases the artistic talent of James Wu. Created using pastel still life on paper, the piece is accompanied by its own hand-cut mat. James Wu, a world-renowned contemporary drawing instructor, initiated his artistic journey in China during middle school. His first exploration involved creating a version of a class newsletter on a blackboard. The pivotal point in his art career came when he met Mr. Wang Naizhuang, a well-known Chinese artist, who became Jian’s mentor, guiding him in the realms of drawing and painting. Today, Jian’s artistic style can be described as impressionistic realism. While he primarily paints in oil, he also works with pastel, acrylic, watercolor, and marker pens. Influenced by masters such as Sargent, Picasso (particularly cubism), and contemporary artist Richard Schmid, Jian has evolved his unique style over the years. His ability to capture light and employ loose brushwork are distinctive features of his paintings. In his studio, Jian works with live models and photo references, starting with a burnt umber underdrawing to sketch out basic value patterns. He then progresses to apply color systematically, addressing shadow areas, middle tones, lighter areas, and finally, highlights. He evaluates and makes final adjustments as needed. For landscapes, Jian dives directly into color, ensuring the establishment of value contrasts. His array of brushes includes bristle brushes (brights and filberts), large house brushes, and a palette knife. His color palette comprises titanium white, lemon yellow, cadmium yellow, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, burnt umber, permanent rose, magenta, ultramarine blue, cerulean blue, phthalo green (yellow shade), phthalo green (blue shade), and ivory black. Jian Wu graduated from the prestigious Art College of Qing Hua University in 1984. Between his graduation and emigration to the United States, he received commissions for works in five-star hotels, and his pieces were featured in China’s National Art Exhibitions. In 1993, he pursued further studies at the Graduate School of Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where he eventually joined the faculty and earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in 2000. As a professional artist, Jian has held solo exhibitions and participated in group shows in the United States. He has garnered awards in nationwide professional art exhibitions and competitions, showcasing the recognition and acclaim his work has received.

Jian Wu graduated from the prestigious Art College of Qing Hua University (formerly known as Central Art and Crafts College of China). He studied sculpture and mural art. Most of his early works are sculpture and copper relief commissioned by China’s five-star hotels; his design works have been exhibited in many of China’s national art shows. Jian majored in Illustration for his graduate studies. He received his Master of Fine Art degree from Academy of Art University. Before graduating, he joined the faculty of the university. For over 25 years, Jian has been teaching painting and drawing, first at Academy of Art University and later at Ohlone College in Fremont. Currently, Jian has committed himself as a full-time artist focusing on his own studio art and studio workshop. Throughout his career, Jian has had solo exhibitions and participated in group shows. He has won many awards in nationwide professional art exhibitions and competitions. Jian is a master member of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society (NOAPS) and a signature member of Oil Painters of America. His book Pastel Technique was published by China Youth Press. And a book of his oil painting collection, The Overseas Oil Painter of China—Jian Wu, was published by China’s renowned publisher, Tianjin People’s Fine Arts Publishing House. Jian’s works have been collected throughout the United States and the world.