DARLENE KAPLAN

Darlene Kaplan, Misty Valley

“Darlene Kaplan’s artistic journey is one that seamlessly blends the tranquility of nature, the grace of Tai Chi, and the rich tradition of Oriental brush painting. With over 40 years of experience in this mesmerizing art form, Kaplan has captured the hearts of art enthusiasts worldwide with her vibrant Chinese watercolor creations on delicate rice paper. Let’s delve into the world of Darlene Kaplan, an artist who harmonizes the essence of the East and the West through her Lingnan-style brushwork.”

Darlene Kaplan, Babies Eating Gingko

Kaplan's artistic voyage began amidst the picturesque landscapes of rural Tennessee. Her childhood was filled with explorations in nature, forging a deep connection to the natural world that would later become the cornerstone of her artwork. "All of my paintings are derived from nature," Kaplan asserts, and this connection is evident in every brushstroke she makes.

Before transitioning to Oriental brush painting, Kaplan honed her skills in realism, primarily working with oils. However, her true awakening came when she delved into martial arts, particularly Tai Chi. The discipline, energy, and serenity she found in Tai Chi resonated deeply with the essence of Chinese brush painting.

In her paintings, Kaplan's goal is to capture the purity of snow, the radiance of the moon, the fragrance of flowers, the sound of waterfalls, and the spirit of people. She approaches each piece with a vision in mind, believing that "the mind has the plan, and the hand follows." Once she starts, her brush and ink demand her full attention. For Kaplan, brush and ink are inseparable from the mood she seeks to convey.

Kaplan's preferred style, the Lingnan style of Oriental Brush Painting, marries Western and East Asian art seamlessly. This style, which originated centuries ago in China, is characterized by its vibrant and expressive ink and color work on rice paper. Kaplan's paintings embody the essence of Lingnan, offering viewers a blend of Western sensibilities with Eastern artistic traditions.

Darlene Kaplan, Sunset in Village

Kaplan's journey as an artist has been studded with awards and accolades. Her list of achievements includes First Place awards at various prestigious exhibitions, such as the Campagna Center in Alexandria, VA, and the National Sumi-e Of America Annual Juried Exhibition in Bethesda, MD. She has also been a finalist in renowned competitions like the Artist Magazine's 27th Annual Arts Competition and the Manhattan International Arts Healing for the Arts category.

Additionally, Kaplan's work has been featured in galleries and museums across the United States and around the world, from the SoHo District in New York City to Tokyo, Japan, and Beijing, China. Her artistic prowess was showcased during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., in 2012, where over 100 of her paintings representing Oriental Brush Painting were exhibited.

Darlene Kaplan, Sunflowers

Darlene Kaplan is not just a prolific artist but also a dedicated teacher. She imparts her knowledge and passion for Oriental Brush Painting to students of all levels at her Soft Brush Studio in Alexandria, VA. Her teaching extends to a yearly 6-day workshop, inviting enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of Chinese brush painting.

In addition to her physical classes, Kaplan has adapted to the digital age by offering instruction via Zoom, reaching art lovers worldwide. Her goal is to ensure that the rich tradition of Oriental brush painting continues to flourish.

Kaplan's art can be experienced in person at her Soft Brush Studio in Alexandria, VA, and The Loft Gallery Art Center in Occoquan, VA. For those unable to visit in person, her artwork is available for viewing on her website.

Learn More About Darlene Kaplan HERE