Watercolor

2006

Length:110 x Width:79 (cm)

Sun Tse-Ching (1950-2020, Chiayi) graduated from the Fine Arts Department of National Taiwan Academy of Arts (now National Taiwan University of Arts). He studied under several prominent artists, including Chen Che (b. 1937), Tsao Ken (1931-2000), Lee Mei-Shu (1902-1983), Yang San-Lang (1907-1995), Liao Chi-Chun (1902-1976), Hung Jui-Lin (1912-1996), Lee Tze-Fan (1907-1989), and Chen Ching-Jung (b. 1934), establishing a strong foundation for his artistic style and philosophy. After a hiatus of more than two decades following graduation, Sun returned to painting with renewed dedication. His works received acclaim at major exhibitions including the Dadun, Nanying, Provincial, Taoyuan, and Taiyang Art Exhibitions, as well as Japan’s IFA International Exhibition. He held numerous solo and group shows both in Taiwan and abroad.
Specializing in watercolor, Sun captured flowers, landscapes, and still life with a realist eye and a keen sensitivity to light and shadow. Ducks Herald the Spring River’s Warmth takes its title from an old Chinese saying, suggesting that ducks sense the earliest signs of spring. The scene shows a group of mallards paddling and playing in the warming river. Though most are clustered on the left, Sun places individual ducks at the upper and right portions of the composition, while the rocky riverbank below anchors the scene. This thoughtful arrangement creates balance and harmony. With skillful use of washes, layering, and glazing, Sun renders the shimmering water, the ducks’ vivid green heads, and their delicate postures in meticulous detail. The result is a luminous, crystal-clear depiction of early spring—an homage to the subtle cues of nature that herald the changing seasons.

Accession number:20210100084