ART PORTFOLIO ARTIST:
NINA CHEN Shanghai American School Dec.2023
LIST OF CONTENTS LIST OF CONTENTS
Nina CHEN, 2023
ABOUT ME
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EARLY WORKS ---THE WORLD IN MY EYES ---CULTURE IDENTITY AND MY INTERPRETATION TO CHINESE CULTURE
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DEVELOPING SKILLS ---SKETCH, TEXTURES AND PERSPECTIVE
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CONVEYING ---NOTABLE PROJECT THE TREES
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POLISHING ---FACIAL FEATURES, SCULPTURES AND PORTRAITS ---NOTABLE PROJECT KATHY (WOOD CARVING PORTRAIT)
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EXPRESSING MY INNER SELF
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ABOUT ME Hello, I am Nina. I am 14 years old, a current 9th grader in Shanghai American School. I love art, and I have been painting and drawing for 8 years. People often describe me as a reserved individual who prefers observation over vocal expression. However, I have discovered that drawing serves as a profound means of conveying my emotions, acting as a reflective mirror to my innermost self. It not only mirrors my inner world but also dynamically transforms my feelings throughout the creative process. I view drawing as an elegant and deeply interpretable form of self-expression.
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EARLY WORKS
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EARLY WORKS ---THE WORLD IN MY EYES Since my earliest years, art has held a special place in my heart, acting as a reflection of the world as I see it. In my formative years, which encompassed kindergarten and primary school, my artistic pursuits were inspired by books, cartoons, and the world that surrounded me. This period marked the beginning of my exploration into a wide range of art materials and techniques, including spray paint, crayons, markers, and more.
Nina CHEN, 2018
Over time, drawing transcended mere self-expression; it evolved into a potent tool for articulating my thoughts and delving into the exploration of the world around me. Nina CHEN, 2017
Nina CHEN, 2016
Nina CHEN, 2016
Nina CHEN, 2017
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Nina CHEN, 2021
EARLY WORKS
---CULTURE IDENTITY AND MY INTERPRETATION TO CHINESE CULTURE Living in China, I am deeply influenced by various facets of Chinese culture, including mythical stories, Chinese opera, and traditional decorations. These cultural influences have played a significant role in shaping my identity, which is evident in the incorporation of Chinese elements in my artworks.
Nina CHEN, 2018
Nina CHEN, 2017
Nina CHEN, 2021
Nina CHEN, 2021
Nina CHEN, 2015
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DEVELOPING SKILLS 7
Architect
DEVELOPING SKILLS ---SKETCH, TEXTURES AND PERSPECTIVE
Nina CHEN, 2021
Still life
Animals
I embarked on a journey to acquire professional art skills, delving into areas such as pencil sketching, understanding lights and perspectives, mastering lines, and working with acrylic paintings. My artistic exploration covered a diverse range of subjects, starting with small still-life compositions involving fruits and pottery, and gradually extending to encompass architecture and animals. These endeavors honed my abilities in meticulous observation and precise representation as an artist. I absorbed these techniques, laying a solid foundation for my future creative endeavors. Nina CHEN, 2022
Nina CHEN, 2021
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Nina CHEN, 2022
Nina CHEN, 2021 Nina CHEN, 20XX
Nina CHEN, 2019
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Nina CHEN, 2020 Nina CHEN, 2020
Nina CHEN, 2020
Nina CHEN, 2023
Nina CHEN, 2021
Nina CHEN, 2020
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As I transitioned from still life to animals, my focus shifted towards capturing emotional expressions. This involved highlighting the eyes and adding intricate details to the faces of the animals, allowing their actions and emotions to be vividly conveyed. Nina CHEN, 2023 Nina CHEN, 2021
Nina CHEN, 2023
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CONVEYING
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NOTABLE PROJECT THE TREES "The Trees" are two artworks I created during the Covid-19 lockdown, a time when restrictions limited us to our compounds. It was during this period that I rediscovered a specific tree in my neighborhood—a tree my late father and I used to leisurely stroll around during sunny weekends. Even though the day I created these pieces was overcast, my mind's eye transported me back to the sunny mornings and beautiful afternoons from those cherished memories with my beloved father.
Spring 2017
Spring 2022
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THE TREES Nina CHEN, 2022
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THE TREES Nina CHEN, 2022
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POLISHING
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FACIAL FEATURES SCULPTURES
When I initially began drawing portraits, I encountered significant challenges, particularly in depicting facial features. Even the slightest alteration in small details could dramatically shift the overall essence of the artwork. However, with relentless practice, I honed my ability to handle the intricacies of facial features, realizing that this skill served as a potent means of bridging the gap between facial expression and inner emotion.
Nina CHEN, 2021
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MY PROCESS OF WORK
Nina CHEN, 2022
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Nina CHEN, 2023
Nina CHEN, 2022
Nina CHEN, 2021
Nina CHEN, 2023
Nina CHEN, 2022
Nina CHEN, 2022
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Nina CHEN, 2023
Nina CHEN, 2023
Nina CHEN, 2023
PORTRAIT AND HUMAN ANATOMY PRACTICES 20
3D FACIAL FEATURES AND SKIN TONE
Nina CHEN, 2023
Nina CHEN, 2023
Nina CHEN, 2023
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NOTABLE PROJECT---KATHY (WOOD CARVING PORTRAIT, 2023) Inspiration
Sketch
Wood Carving
Spray Paint
This is a portrait of my elder sister, Kathy, whom I deeply admire. The photograph captures her in a moment of grace, her gaze focused as she attentively studies a menu, resembling the poise of a cellist lost in their music. This beautiful moment inspired me to undertake her portrayal using a combination of techniques I had learned, involving wood carving and spray painting. As her birthday approached, I dedicated my utmost care and creativity to crafting this artwork, intending it to be a heartfelt gift that conveys my profound love and appreciation for her. 22
EXPRESSING MY INNER SELF
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EXPRESSING MY INNER SELF Drawing serves as a potent medium for giving voice to my innermost emotions, enabling me to convey feelings that might prove elusive through words alone. The act of creation is akin to embarking on a journey within my own mind. Within this artistic journey, colors and lines transform into a unique language, facilitating a silent yet profound dialogue between my inner self and the external world.
Nina CHEN, 2021
Nina CHEN, 2021
Nina CHEN, 2022
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NINA CHEN Shanghai American School 25