TJU Faculty Explore Watercolor Art

More than 40 faculty members took part in a hands-on watercolor workshop on November 21 at our Weijin Road Campus. Organized by the University Trade Union and led by Associate Professor Ye Wu from the School of Architecture, the session introduced foundational watercolor techniques and offered an immersive artistic experience designed to enrich campus cultural life and deepen engagement with the arts.

The program opened with remarks from Wen Li, Deputy Secretary of the School of Architecture Party Committee, who welcomed the participants and expressed appreciation to Wu Ye for leading the workshop. Wen highlighted watercolor’s expressive qualities, including its transparency, fluidity and subtle visual charm, and emphasized the value of artistic engagement in easing work-related pressure and enhancing campus culture.

Ye delivered a talk titled “Let’s Play with Watercolors,” outlining the artistic features, creative principles and historical development of watercolor painting. Drawing on his extensive teaching and artistic experience, he explained key techniques such as color mixing, value control and compositional planning, and responded to participants’ questions to help beginners overcome common technical challenges.

After the lecture, he offered a live demonstration on managing water, pigment and brushwork to create layered tones and atmospheric depth. Faculty members then began their own works under his guidance, many choosing architectural scenes inspired by our campuses as their creative themes.

Over the next hour, participants experimented with color and form, translating their observations into vivid compositions. The finished pieces displayed a range of styles, blending architectural detail with natural light and texture, and reflecting both the artistic potential of the participants and the aesthetic richness of the university setting.

As the session concluded, faculty members shared their artworks, exchanged feedback and took group photos with Ye Wu. The workshop provided a relaxing creative break from daily responsibilities, strengthened collegial interaction and expanded appreciation for the visual arts across the community.

The event reflects the School of Architecture Trade Union’s continued efforts to advance arts education and cultural development on campus. Building on this momentum, the school plans to offer more diverse and engaging programs that support faculty well-being, deepen cultural participation and contribute to a vibrant and inclusive university environment.

By: Du Jiachen

Editor: Qin Mian