Judy Fan

Judy Fan is an award-winning Chicago-based Oil painter. Born and raised in China she came to the United States to pursue her college degree. Since childhood, art has always had a special place in her heart, but not until recent years did she decide to follow her heart and use her paintings to document her life and express her feelings. Judi’s work was selected as juried finalist in Artist’s Magazine Annual Art Competition and published in Southwest Art Magazine and Artist Portfolio Magazine. She was also selected to be the cover artist of Artist Portfolio Magazine. Judy’s artwork continues to receive accolades and awards in recent showings throughout Chicagoland.

“My art is mostly from my own life experiences, the town I've been living in for years, places I visited in the past, the house I live in, my children’s activities and people I met. I painted people or the moments in my life that moved me. I hope the viewers will relate my artwork to their own life” remarks Judy. While Judy paints various subjects including portraits, figures (clothed or nudes), landscapes and still life, portraits are always Judy’s favorite. She is fascinated by every human face, whether an old woman in Nepal or a little girl next door. She not only wants to paint an individual's face but his/her soul.

Judy describes her style as classic realism with a contemporary approach. She wants to show a painterly quality in her work, not photo realistic or total classic realism. She likes to use an abstract background in her portraits to show some contemporary feeling and she likes to use bold brush strokes to evoke emotions and inject energy. For medium choice, she loves Oil. She feels Oil as a medium is very forgiving. She likes to make changes or adjust while painting. “Using Oil, I am free to make mistakes as I know I can always correct later if I want to,” Judy stated. As far as painting method, Judy paints from life and also from photos. She uses the Alla Prima method of direct painting.

Judy studied at Watts Atelier of the Arts and Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts.  Find examples of Judy’s art online.

There will be a Meet & Greet with the artist on Saturday, May 7 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Library Gallery.