Xue Wang
As queen of the kooky and macabre, Xue is known for her fairy tale paintings. The former fashionista fuses supernatural themes and a sugar-sweet colour palette to create irresistible lowbrow pop surrealist pieces.
Inspiration
With inspirations ranging from Victoriana to dolls and funfairs, she applies just as much wry humour as paint. For each character, Xue sketches out the faces before adding makeup, hairstyles, clothes and accessories. She uses oils on board and paints at home on her easel, with her dog Kuma and daughter Macey - who is sometimes too helpful!
Each painting takes between 80 and 120 hours to complete. Xue - who originally hails from China - uses multiple layers of glaze, while the carved frames lend her work a Baroque aesthetic.
Xue says: “I love vintage pin-up imagery, film noir and silent films. We cannot escape the past and our sweet yesterdays, whether imaginary or real. They are my repository.”
Other Artists you may like
Couldn't find what you're looking for? We've hand picked some suggestions for you.
Inside the world of Xue Wang
Xue paints with oils on board, which is a smooth and light texture to work with. She sketches first for the right composition, and then makes a mock-up to trace onto the board. She creates many layers, starting with the far background and finishing with the detail at the front.
The artist adds: “For each character, I first sketch out the simple faces. Then I add makeup, hairstyles, clothes and accessories – a bit like when you style a real person! During the process, I develop ideas about the atmosphere for each individual. This comes naturally with my fashion background."
Fun fact: Xue and her husband Bruce are keen mushroom hunters!
From the blog
Inside Xue Wang's studio
Magazines and brochures
Xue Wang | The Imaginarium of Xue Wang
With inspirations ranging from Victoriana to dolls and funfairs, Xue Wang applies just as much wry humour as paint.
Xue Wang | Heebie Jeebies
As queen of the kooky and macabre, Xue is known for her quirky paintings. The former fashionista fuses supernatural themes and a sugar-sweet colour palette to create irresistible lowbrow pop surrealist pieces.
Thank you for signing up to our newsletter.
We'll be sending you an email with a verification link, just click it and you're good to go!
Join our mailing list for exclusive discounts, the latest art news, artist updates and more.
© Copyright Washington Green Retail Limited trading as Castle Fine Art. First published 2012, last updated 2023. Washington Green Retail Limited acts as a credit broker and offers credit products from Secure Trust Bank PLC trading as V12 Retail Finance.
Washington Green Retail Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our registration number is 726395. Credit provided subject to age and status. Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies