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Spotlight On: Yen-Ching Chang

Born and raised in Taiwan, Yen-Ching Chang came to the U.S. to earn her Master of Fine Arts at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where she studied under celebrated artists including Zhaoming Wu and Huihan Liu.

“I wanted to explore different lifestyles and languages in a new cultural environment while advancing my artistic studies and creativity,” she explains. “San Francisco’s diverse art scene provided a vibrant community and countless opportunities for personal and artistic growth. Immersing myself in this environment profoundly enriched my artistic journey.”

Chang describes art as her life’s journey. She credits her mentor in Taiwan, painter and educator Yim Mau-Kun, for sparking her passion for painting, shaping her foundational skills, and providing lasting inspiration. As an art teacher herself, Chang says, “It’s incredibly rewarding to see young artists and adults discover their passion and grow in confidence.”

An El Dorado Hills resident since 2021, Chang (yenchingchang.com) also enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, reading art books, and watching movies. “These activities help me unwind and often provide inspiration for my work. I believe that connecting with nature and loved ones enriches my creative process.”

A member of the California Art Club and Oil Painters of America, Chang’s work is featured in their shows, as well as at exhibitions throughout the country.

Sudden Notice



You describe your paintings as “reflections and celebrations of life.” Please tell us more about this.

My paintings are deeply inspired by the richness of everyday life and the scenes that touch me profoundly. I find beauty and meaning in the simplest moments, whether it’s the interplay of light on a landscape, the emotions and expressions of people around me, the vibrant colors of a still life, or the quiet poetry of everyday objects. Each painting reflects these experiences, celebrating the essence of life’s diversity and the narratives that unfold in ordinary scenes. It’s this connection to life that fuels my creativity and enables me to craft visual narratives that resonate deeply with viewers.

Playing in the Lake

Little Girls with Toy Cars

Serious Topic

How would you describe your style?

I was mostly influenced by late 19th-century artists, including Ilya Repin and John Singer Sargent. As a plein-air (outdoor) painter, my work has evolved to incorporate more impressionistic elements over time. Therefore, my style can be described as a blend of impressionism and realism. I aim to capture the essence and depth of my subjects through careful observation and expressive brushwork, creating dynamic and lifelike portrayals that reflect my ongoing exploration of light, color, and emotional resonance.

You work in a variety of mediums—oil, gouache, watercolor, charcoal, and pencil—and on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, panel, and linen. How do you decide what materials to use?

I love exploring different materials and surfaces—they each offer unique sensations and artistic challenges that keep my creative process dynamic and exciting. As an impressionism-realism painter, drawing serves as my cornerstone, enabling me to adapt to any medium once I understand its characteristics. When choosing a medium, I consider the subject matter I wish to explore and the emotions I want to convey. Oil paint holds a special place for me, due to its versatility and capacity to create rich textures that enhance the depth and vibrancy of my art.

Brown Hat

Blissful Symphony

How do you choose your subjects?

It’s an intuitive process for me. I look for subjects that deeply touch me, evoking strong emotions or possessing compelling visual qualities, whether it’s a person’s expression, the mood of a landscape, or the simple beauty of a still life. The connection I feel with the subject guides my decision and fuels my passion to bring it to life on canvas. My aim is to capture their essence and explore their narrative or poetic potential through my artwork.

What do you hope viewers experience through your art? 

I aim to evoke a sense of connection and reflection. I want viewers to feel the diverse emotions and narratives within each subject, to appreciate the beauty of everyday moments, and to discover moments of stillness and gratitude for life’s simple pleasures. My goal is nothing less than to touch the viewers’ hearts and inspire them to see the world with renewed simplicity, finding meaning in each captured moment, and experiencing a sense of peace and joy.

You also teach art classes. Tell us more about this.

I teach art classes to kids and adults at my atelier (studio) in El Dorado Hills. Kids’ lessons focus on nurturing creativity and self-expression through various mediums such as drawing, painting, and 3D art. Lessons for adults focus on academic foundational learning for drawing and painting. I strive to create a fun, supportive environment where people can explore their artistic potential and develop their skills. 


by Jennifer Maragoni
Photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Photos courtesy of Yen-Ching Chang.