Online Art Exhibition of the Art Class at UCD CII

Preface

Art is another language through which we understand the world; painting is the silent response of the soul to life. This online exhibition brings together the creative works of students from various age groups enrolled in the art courses of the University College Dublin Confucius Institute over the past semester. From sketching exercises to classical reproductions, from representational depictions to personalized concepts, these works embody not only the exploration of techniques but also the development of independent aesthetic perception. With brush in hand, the students have explored the forms of the visible world and expressed the ideas of their inner worlds, revealing unique perspectives and expressive abilities shaped by a multicultural context. Traditional Chinese aesthetic education emphasizes “observing objects to capture their essence, transforming imagination into insightful creation,” while Western art education values “observation and construction, perception and representation.” On this platform, we are delighted to witness the integration and growth of these two aesthetic traditions, which now serve as the dual wings of the students' artistic expression. Whether reproducing the strokes of great masters or capturing scenes from daily life, the works reflect not only technical progress but also the awakening of aesthetic consciousness and a deepening cultural understanding. We extend our heartfelt thanks to every student who engaged wholeheartedly in the creative process, to our dedicated teaching team for their professional guidance, and to the parents for their ongoing support. May this exhibition serve not only as a record and reflection of a learning journey, but also as a departure point and source of encouragement for the future. Where images and ideas converge, we look forward to the unfolding of even broader artistic possibilities.

Confucius Institute Children's Art Division UCD

June 2025

Abbey Lin

After Lucian Freud and Frank Auerbach, 1975–76, Acrylic

Abbey Lin
Portrait Study of  two girls

Sabrina Yang
After Lucian Freud, Head of a Woman, 1988–90, Acrylic

Abbey Lin
Portrait painting study of a classmate, Acrylic

Kaiyi Lee
After Vincent van Gogh, Carafe and Dish with Citrus Fruit, 1887, Acrylic 

Mia Li

Study of a Woman’s Hand (Plaster Cast) 

Siyao Yang
Study of a Man’s Hand (Plaster Cast)

Shane Lin
Study of a Plaster Bust: Caracalla

Sinead Yangyang Glynn
After Paul Cézanne, Fruits, Towel and Milk Carton, c.1880–81, Acrylic 

Final Class Exhibition

It is very interesting to see these artworks approached from such different perspectives, even though they are working on the same plaster casts or still-life setups.  Throughout the term, I observed many elements that seemed "not quite right" based on the principles of realistic art—such as brushstrokes, shading, proportion, and perspective. Nevertheless, these imperfections remain on their canvases, even as the students strive to achieve accuracy. In a way, these flaws make their artworks more personal and distinctive, rather than mere copies of a standard model. Copying works by great artists is a valuable and indispensable method of studying art. During these copying exercises, students continually experiment with colour and become more sensitive to its nuances. At the same time, through repeated practice of techniques, they gain the confidence to express themselves in their own work. This also prepares them for painting and drawing on-site. Furthermore, since we did not have access to professional models, the students took turns posing for each other. This made the portrait work feel more emotional, as the subjects were familiar peers. In fact, their daily interactions also became part of the creative process, subtly influencing the artworks. Lucian Freud followed a similar approach—he spent time with his models, sharing meals and conversations during painting sessions, making the process deeply personal. Sometimes, our still-life setups include fruits or flowers, which we can taste and smell. This type of sensory experience can influence the colours used in the paintings. I also want to emphasize that realistic drawing practice is repetitive and demanding, yet the students remain committed to completing each piece with care. Their work continues to focus on technical improvement and skill development—a long-term journey not immediately connected to artistic inspiration. We look forward to the day when our students encounter true inspiration and are fully equipped to capture it.

Instructor: Yu Jie

Bella Liu
Still Life Study

Dylan Zhao
Landscape Study

Elaine Luo
Floral Study

George Yu
After Bu Dai, Apple

Peter Wang
After Kaiman Rider Gaim, Acrylic and colored pencil

Rex Tang
Still Life Study

Riley Lin
Still Life and Floral Study

Tingxiao Li
Study of Still Life and Facial Features

Heyan Duan
Study of Facial Features

Final Class Exhibition

Every piece the children created this year reflects their growth and progress. In our small but vibrant art class, they’ve moved from curiosity to understanding form — learning to see how shapes, lines, and planes come together. This marks the first stage of their artistic journey: developing aesthetic perception. Now, they’re beginning the next stage — learning how to organize shapes and balance colors. The works you see are just the start. There’s still much to explore — like rhythm, contrast, and emphasis — but what matters most is that, with the support of the Confucius Institute and our G09 class, the children are gaining the confidence to feel, to learn, and to create. They’re also starting to use techniques from different art traditions to discover their own sense of beauty and express it clearly and confidently. To all my students: I’m truly proud of you!

Instructor: Liu Lina

Sarah Li Fox
After Van Gogh, Sunflowers, Acrylic 

Kayla Jiawen Lu
Still Life from Observation, Acrylic

Jiarui Lu
Magic Mushroom HousePolymer clay, cardboard, and acrylic paint

Linda Chen
Amber Butterfly, Hot glue pellets and acrylic paint

Jiayi Lu
My Favorite Restaurant, Watercolor, fineliner, and colored pencil on pap

Jack Yuyi Wu
Hand Study from Observation

Kayla Jiawen Lu

Hand Study from Observation

Final Class Exhibition

This exhibition highlights the diverse achievements of students in the Advanced Art Class, showcasing works across painting, sculpture, mixed media, and interdisciplinary forms. These pieces reflect their growth in artistic language, aesthetic awareness, and personal expression. At this stage, students have moved beyond spontaneous creation. They’re developing clear personal styles and thoughtful approaches to composition, color, space, and storytelling — blending technical skill with emotional depth to create true artistic expression. Their works address social issues, personal experiences, and cultural narratives. From realistic observations to abstract emotions, each piece shows strong perception and a refined artistic voice. The students aren’t just making art — they’re shaping their own visual languages. What stands out most is their curiosity and dedication. They push boundaries, challenge norms, and embrace experimentation, showing a deep commitment to growth and innovation.

Instructor: Liang Xuewei

Boyi Zhou

Submarine

Boen Zhou

Little Car

Lucas Wang
Nezha

Lucas Wang

Colorful Popsicle (Left)

Jiakai Liu

Colorful Popsicle (Right)

Final Class Exhibition

Heren Long
Little Car, Puppy, Sunflower, Ice Cream Cone (Clockwise from top left)

Final Class Exhibition

This exhibition is a joyful celebration of the children’s imagination and creativity. Each piece reflects their unique way of seeing the world — full of innocence, wonder, and heartfelt emotion. The students show great inventiveness in their compositions, from dreamy landscapes to playful fantasy scenes. Their bold, expressive use of color reveals a fearless and free artistic spirit. Though themes are often based on everyday life, each child brings their own interpretation, giving every artwork its own charm and personality. Their focus and enthusiasm throughout the creative process shine through — expressing love, kindness, and joy, and showing the power of early art education. More than just a collection of artworks, this exhibition offers a glimpse into the inner worlds of young artists, inspiring us all to reconnect with the beauty and purity of life. We look forward to watching them grow and continue their creative journeys.

Instructor: Jiang Jiayun

William Li

Sunflower Seeds (Study)

Celine Liu
Parrot Study (Left)

Xina tal Feng
Auspicious Year of the Snake Study (Right)

Maeve Zhou
Notes of Spring Study (Left)

Maple Leaf Study (Right)

Anya Zhu
Nezha Study, Acrylic on paper

In the art classroom, our students poured their creativity and passion into every lesson, exploring a wide range of visual techniques. From building fundamental skills to completing full creative projects, they’ve made impressive technical progress while developing their own unique styles. In drawing, guided by “observation and representation,” students moved from basic line work to understanding composition, perspective, and light. They came to see sketching not as rigid, but as a powerful form of expression. In color classes, they became “color magicians,” learning to balance tones and use brushstrokes to express emotion. Their work evolved from simple exercises into rich, expressive pieces full of depth and atmosphere. These achievements reflect not only their hard work and dedication, but also the continued support of their families. Each piece in this exhibition is a record of growth — every line and color choice shaped by focus, courage, and inspiration. We look forward to seeing them continue to soar creatively in the year ahead.

Instructor: Xie Yue

Meixin Zhang
Butterfly and Chair Study

Haiqi Ma
Still Life Study

Yifan Wu
Skull

Meixin Zhang
Still Life (Left)

Luxi Zhang
Headphones Study (Right)

Yifan Wu
Figure Study

Final Class Exhibition

This semester-end exhibition highlights the artistic growth our students have made over the past year. Each piece reflects their dedication, love for art, and steady progress — serving as a visual diary of their journey. At this stage in primary school, many students are beginning to form their own artistic preferences. Some enjoy realistic sketching and traditional techniques, while others show interest in design — a promising sign of early exploration into future creative paths. Our curriculum combines masterwork studies with live observation. This semester, students practiced still life, abstract figures, colored pencil drawing, graphic and product design. Through these varied experiences, they developed a foundation in spatial awareness, light and shadow, and the structure of forms — learning to express both realism and abstraction. They also gained important training in black-white-grey composition. More importantly, students started to use visual language to express personal ideas and interpret the world around them. Technical exercises like sketching and colored pencil work laid a strong foundation for future artistic development. These skills demand focus and observation — not easy for young learners — but through guided practice, they are forming disciplined, thoughtful work habits. The ability to complete and present a finished piece is a valuable life skill beyond the art room. Art is diverse and full of possibility. With continued support and exploration, we look forward to seeing even greater creativity in the coming year.

Instructor: Lian Hua

Jasmine ZhengMin  Li

Koi Fish Study

Heidi BoYing Huang

Blonde Girl (Drawn from Photograph) Left

That Girl (Drawn from Photograph) Right

Wenbo Liang
Original design, Cosmic Imagination

Wenbo Liang
Mr. Rabbit Study

Jasmine ZhengMin  Li

Seaside Cottage Study

Jasmine ZhengMin Li

Lighthouse Study

Final Class Exhibition

This exhibition showcases the progress students have made in this year’s art program, reflecting their ongoing learning and creative exploration. With instruction tailored to individual skill levels, the curriculum was divided into stages, focusing on sketching, colored pencil, and gouache painting. Through both copying and observational drawing, students developed spatial awareness, learning to represent form, light and shadow, tonal values, and color temperature. This foundation strengthened their observation skills, modeling ability, and sensitivity to color and volume. As their skills grew, students began expressing themselves with more abstract brushstrokes and personal ideas, resulting in more diverse and expressive work. The student-centered approach encouraged creativity and avoided mechanical repetition by adapting to each learner’s pace and interests. Reflection and peer feedback were also key parts of the process, helping students deepen their understanding, recognize their strengths, and identify areas for growth. Art education is about more than technique — it nurtures aesthetic awareness and expressive ability. We are proud to see our students using their unique perspectives to create sincere and original work, and we look forward to their continued exploration and growth.

Instructor: Liu Zhixian

Closing Note

Though this exhibition draws to a close, the spirit of art continues on. May each student stay true to their original intention—reflecting inward through brush and ink, and extending their voices through images. In their ongoing exploration, may they carry forward the essence of traditional painting and calligraphy, while expanding the depth and breadth of their artistic language. Our heartfelt thanks to every viewer who paused to appreciate these works. It is your attention and shared resonance that have given this exhibition its true meaning and warmth. We look forward to meeting again—through even richer creations in the future.

Design and Editing: Yifei Li
Reviewed by: Chuanying Yu

Scan the QR code for more information about the Art Class at UCDCII

存艺术之心  传书画之道