Welcome to

Ting Yuen's Artist Diary

Artist Statement


I create lyrical worlds, where tribulations are perceived with inspiring humor, fetishes embraced with open arms, thoughts are symbolic, dreams are always infinite, and an ideal world is possible. In many ways, my paintings compose a diary of my everyday life and aspirations, expressing fears and joys that are personal but, at the same time, universal to the current consciousness.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Landscape: Discovering A New Genre

 Ever since I was a little girl, I drew about people, very much like what I do now but more childlike for obvious reasons :) The figurative dream scape blossomed once I've discovered how to paint, it allows me to express my imagination in a more profound way, but this year I've decided to try a new genre and see where this journey is going to bring me.

 Enlightenment I


My first inspiration to paint Enlightenment was sparked by my trip to Asia a few years back. I was admiring a pond of lotus in Ubud, Bali and I thought to myself, got to put some of  those in my paintings, which I did in various figurative artwork, in the background or foreground please see below:

 Courage II


After painting Courage II, I felt the need to make the lotus my main focus for my next painting which means a new genre of paintings is born: Landscape. Enlightenment I and II are both large paintings 24"x48". My discovery about painting flowers is that they are not easy to paint, as a painter I wanted to showcase the fragility, the dimensions and multi faceted layers of the flowers, these elements are definitely challenging and patience became my new best friend! I also love to put movement in my artwork so for Enlightenment I and II,  I set out to do so by painting the curves and turning of the leaves. I remember painting them for hours with soft music in the background to set the mood, consuming in each petals and resting in between only to come back with my eyes buggy and sore. The finished paintings proven to be time well spent and every buggy eye moment was worthwhile. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed painting them for you.

 Exploring a new genre has brought me even more inspirations for my future work and more skills to my painting knowledge. It's always good to learn something new, it's like being a child seeing things in a different light. My advice for anyone that wishes to try something new, go for it and let the challenges guide your journey. 

 Enlightenment II


Wednesday, June 4, 2014

My Art Mentor: Robert Genn May 15th 1936 - May 27th 2014


Robert Genn

I feel a great sadness today as I sit here writing a tribute to my mentor Robert Genn, whom passed away on May 27th, with tears in my eyes, I wonder what should I say and how to express my lost.

I don't know Robert Genn personally but I feel like somehow I know him quite intimately through his art, newsletters and his books. I remember the first time I saw his work about 10 years ago in Hambleton Gallery in Kelowna, I was awe struck by the presence of his landscape painting. It was majestic and the light that poured out from his brush strokes was magnificent. That was my first impression of Robert Genn. From that day onward, I was hooked on Robert Genn. I read his newsletter and bought his books. My favourite is The Painters's Key, it became my bible, I read it religiously every year before my painting season began. Although my art work has a completely different genre than Robert Genn's he truly is my most engaging and inspiring teacher. I've learned through his eyes and the ways he observed, he was masterful and wise beyond belief. His newsletter was always filled with rich insights, great quotations, techniques and definitely designed to inspire any artists that took the time to get a little closer to Robert Genn.

Thank you Robert for teaching me how to be a better artist, thank you for the inspirations and for being my mentor. Love you forever you will be greatly missed. Your legacy will live on. If you are an artist, please treat yourself to The Painter's Key, a book that truly enriched my life as an artist.To learn more about Robert Genn please click here: www.robertgenn.com

SEPTEMBER BUGABOOS SHOWPIECE by Robert Genn
acrylic, canvas
30 x 34 in.

Self-portrait with Emily
Self-portrait with Emily painted by Robert Genn


Saturday, February 8, 2014

Art for your Valentine!

The Moonlit Chat III by Ting Yuen

The Moonlit Serenade by Ting Yuen

I am a huge fan of Romance and Love, matter of fact I have devoted an entire series to Romance. I have many paintings about this amazing subject. I have at least fifteen works devoted to my husband and best friend. My Romance Series is available as small prints and art cards, all of the Romance series originals are sold except for my newest Romance painting The Moonlit Chat III above.  If you wish to see more of my Romance Series please check out my website www.artrushgallery.com.

The stories for the above works are below:


The Moonlit Chat III

Moonlit Chat is about the importance of communication in a relationship. My husband Paul and I spend a lot of time together in both work and play and we are always chatting up a storm. We dream up new adventures and reminisce the past. The secret to good communication is trust, respect and putting our differences aside. Through our long conversations, Paul and I have learned to work through our differences and to use the challenges in our lives to strengthen our relationship. I love chatting with
 my best friend because it helps us to re-connect over and over again.

The Moonlit Serenade

This painting is created for the romantic at heart because I am one too. Moonlit Serenade is about the importance of romance. My husband and I have been together for twenty years, we have had our challenges and have worked through them and became stronger as a couple. One of the things that nurtures the strength of our relationship is doing special things for each other on a daily basis, this reminds us how much we appreciate each other and makes us come together as a loving couple.


Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Remember your loved ones and treat them to something thoughtful and special.






Thursday, January 9, 2014

Art for the New Year

Guidance by Ting Yuen

My work is taking new turns and twists for the new year. Last year, before my move to Nelson, I did three landscape paintings which are not on line yet because I am still trying to catch up with the move and changes. Yikes! But alas I am semi caught up and to end 2013 one of my landscape paintings was sold on the last day of the year. For 2014, I am planning to do more landscape paintings in assorted formats making them affordable for anyone that loves to own an original of mine.

My signature styles of Dreamscapes will continue as well, I got quite a few sketched out already and am awaiting patiently to start my new collection. Next week I have a date with my Studio and planning to have many dates with my Studio from that day onward.

Operating a gallery and creating art can be such a juggle, they both need so much love and attention, sometimes I do feel quite torn, juggling and trying to find balance for my personal life as well. Impossible?? Nah, not in my vocabulary, I just have to get up earlier and do more.

This post I have chosen Guidance as my companion painting because she symbolizes my Higher Self that assists me in my art, I look forward to reacquaint with her and hope to draw from her inspirational well endlessly and am grateful to have Guidance as my forever muse. 

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Art Rush Gallery is ready for Christmas!

                                                          Ting's Art Gifts
                     Purse Mirrors come with stories and pouches. $14.95 each
                                              Ting Yuen's Art Jewelry Boxes

                                               Ting's Art Journals at $19.99
                                     Ting Art Tiles $14.95 each comes with Stories
                                               Ting's Art Magnets $8-$10 each
                                             Ting's Artsy Totes at $22.99 each

Christmas season is here and it's definitely one of the busiest time of the year. Thanks to all the lovely customers that shop at our gallery or online, Paul and I really appreciate your business.
 Here is a variety of art gifts that Paul and I have made for the season, most of which comes with stories attached and of course we also have a huge selection of art prints to choose from, you may purchase them either at the shop, on line  or for a more personal service you may also call us at Art Rush Gallery 250-352-6883 we will be happy to assist you with your shopping needs. 

If you are planning to shop on line please remember the postal service is slower during the holiday season, so please do not delay your shopping needs to ensure your purchase to arrive on time for Christmas. 

To view other shops that carry our products please see below:



TWO RIVERS SHOP AT THE GALLERY
725 Civic Plaza, Prince George B.C.
tel: 250-614-7806

KOOTENAY GALLERY OF ART
120 Heritage Way, Castlegar B.C.
250-365-3337

SACRED JOURNEYS
546 Herald Street, Victoria B.C.
Opening December 6th, 2013

TOUCHSTONES MUSEUM GIFTSHOP
502 Vernon Street, Nelson B.C.
tel: 250-352-9813

SHOP AT GALLERY 2
524 Central Avenue, Grand Forks B.C.
tel: 250-442-2211

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Moved to Nelson!




Moving Again! by Ting Yuen
What is normal? Staying in one spot all your life or moving from place to place? I have often dreamt of living a life of stability, normality and grounding but my soul screams out for more adventures and more uprooting. My art work is fueled by my life experiences, I guess whenever I move or travel, my work takes on different shapes, forms and stories.

I was painting in my studio at home one sunny spring day in Kimberley, thinking about travelling and seeing more and feeling a sense of urgency that life is too short for stability, the phone rang and my husband, Paul was on the line, "Do you want to move to Nelson?" I said "Yes!" and here we are, less than two months after our visit to Nelson, we packed up our gallery and home and moved to Nelson, our new home town for our lives and our business.

 Paul and I are settling down in Nelson and loving every minute of it! It's different, it's eclectic, it's got quite a groove may I add and the vibration of energy is completely different than most places that Paul and I have been in Canada. And of course with all the excitement, our emotions are balanced off with nervous anticipation of the unknown and stress is definitely part of the exhilerating experience.

Below you will see some of my paintings that are about uprooting, finding homes and also some pics of our gallery in Nelson, B.C.. Enjoy!

P/S I am so looking forward to painting my new collecction of artwork. It has definitely been quite a journey!
From Place to Place by Ting Yuen
Art Rush Gallery, 471A Baker St. Nelson
Art Rush Gallery, 471A Baker St, Nelson, B.C
Art Rush Gallery, 471A Baker St, Nelson, B.C
Art Rush Gallery, 471A Baker St, Nelson, B.C.

Journeys by Ting Yuen


Friday, February 22, 2013

This Elephant stole my Heart


This is my elephant that I adopted for a day. Her name is Lucky, here she is giving me a hug. I love her so much and she stole my heart just like Thailand did.

 I just came back from a business trip with my best friend and husband, Paul. This year we went to Thailand. We made some great contacts with local artists and got to experience a few amazing adventures to add into our inspirations for work.

I came back home from Thailand wanting to relive the experience over and over again. It is definitely a country that made me feel conflicted inside, on one hand it made me appreciate what I have here but on the other hand it made me feel that life should be lived just like the Thais do, it's hard but real and no matter how crazy the cities of Thailand are the Thais always have a genuine smile for you and the connection is always there.

One of my inspirations for my 2013 art work will definitely have to be my experience at Patara Elephant Farm where I met Lucky,  I was her Mahood for the day. I got to feed her, which by the way made me her instant best friend hence the "hug". Ben the Vet of Patara Elephant Farm taught me how to check my elephant's health, I got to wash and swim with her and got to ride her through the forest. When the day is over I only wished I could do it all over again. I have always loved elephants which is apparent in my work but now I love them even more. If you get a chance to visit Thailand please do check out the Patara Elephant Farm. I'll keep you posted when Lucky showed up on my Canvas.