About ArtEast NI
ArtEast NI, founded in 2015, is a group of artists primarily in Belfast, who are enthusiastic about Chinese paintings. Over the years they have become more inclusive to accept memberships from outside Northern Ireland as well.
Participating Members and Paintings (Alphabetic order)
Jean Jing
I have been self-taught in painting and drawing for over ten years. This year, my practice has centred on life sketching as a primary way of observing the world and generating ideas for future work. Drawing directly from life enables close engagement with nature and everyday environments, a process I consider both essential and deeply rewarding.
I work mainly with water-based media, inspired by both traditional Chinese and Western painting traditions. Pen and wash is my preferred medium for its immediacy, efficiency, and expressive power. Through this approach, I seek to convey atmosphere, movement, and the quiet vitality of my subjects.
Lili Li
I was born and raised in an academic milieu where I immersed myself in the study of Chinese ink painting and calligraphy from an early age. Despite pursuing a career in the financial and business sectors and actively engaging in voluntary work, my true passion has always been the arts. During the pandemic period, I delved into the realm of oil painting, exploring both traditional techniques and modern methods to depict movement and the essence of life.
Siya Zhang
Based in the UK and a graduate of Queen’s University Belfast, I work with watercolour and traditional Chinese meticulous (gongbi) techniques, focusing on the close study and contemporary reinterpretation of classical Chinese painting.
Wenli Zhang
I have worked in a range of professional roles across the university, college, and public sectors in Northern Ireland. Deeply influenced by traditional Chinese art, I work with both freehand ink wash (xieyi) and meticulous (gongbi) techniques. My paintings of flowers and birds, landscapes, and figures reflect themes of good fortune and cultural blessing rooted in Chinese tradition. I am an active member of the ArtEast club.
Begonia Maculata – Chinese ink on rice paper 
Hydrangea – Purple Dream – Chinese ink on rice paper 
Hydrangea – Butterfly – Chinese ink on rice paper 
Pink Peonies – Chinese ink on rice paper 
Purple Peonies – Chinese ink on rice paper 
Pink Hibiscus – Chinese ink on rice paper 
Okra Flower – Chinese ink on rice paper 
Rosehips – Water colour on card 
The Song Thrush – Water colour on card