Studies in
Form and
Light
A personal collection of small observations, familiar objects, and faces on paper.
Explore the collection15 selected works
Featured work / 01
The Quiet Rider
Drawing on toned paper
An armoured rider and a dark horse share a quiet moment. Deep shadows give weight to the figure, while open paper leaves the scene room to breathe.
Chapter 01
Faces & figures
Expressions, gestures, and the study of form.
Gaze
Digital painting · Procreate
Teal eyes anchor this close-up portrait. Warm layers of colour and textured strokes trace the light across the face. A study after a photographic reference.
Turning Toward the Light
Drawing
A classical head turns upward, its features shaped by strong contrasts between light and shadow. The loose outlines of the hair frame the more closely studied face.
Form in Profile
Drawing
A horse-head cast becomes a study of planes and curves. Detailed shading around the eye and muzzle gives way to lighter lines along the neck.
Many Hands
Sculpture study · Drawing
Multiple arms extend from a single figure, each carrying a different gesture or object. Fine outlines and shaded forms give the composition its sense of movement.
Chapter 02
Light on everyday things
Ordinary objects, closely observed.
Reflections in Blue
Painting
Cool reflections ripple across a jug, cup, and tray. Against the dark background, a red apple brings a small, vivid contrast to the arrangement.
The Last Leaf
Gouache
A curled leaf leans from a blue vase against a pale green background. The dry, folded leaf contrasts with the smooth, reflective surface below it.
Open Pages
Gouache
Overlapping books become an arrangement of blue, green, and cream. Broad strokes describe the covers, while small shadows separate the layers of paper.
An Ordinary Arrangement
Drawing
An electrical component rests on folded newspapers, its cable looping above the objects. Small details turn an everyday arrangement into something worth a closer look.
Everyday Wrappers
Drawing
A crumpled snack bag sits beside a juice carton. Their printed surfaces and contrasting shapes make a study of folds, lettering, and texture.
Two Studies in Contrast
Drawing · Two studies
Folded paper and rolls of tape explore sharp edges and soft curves. Below, a hand-cranked sharpener and a spoon offer another study of light and weight.
Vessel of Time
Bronze-vessel study · Drawing
A bronze vessel is described through its curved bowl, animal-like details, and decorated handle. Muted green tones suggest the surface of aged metal.
Chapter 03
Nature & places
From the smallest scales to sunlit architecture.
Unfurling
Drawing
The flowing fins of a betta fish spread across the page. Repeated marks build up the scales, contrasting their dense texture with the sweep of the tail.
Lines in Bloom
Drawing
Flowers move between delicate outlines and richly shaded petals. The changing level of detail lets the drawing feel both closely observed and open.
Afternoon in Gold
Gouache
A sunlit building rises against blue sky and warm foliage. Loose strokes and deep shadows pick out the dome, balconies, and architectural details.
About me
Hi, I’m Zixiang.
Art is one of the things I enjoy doing.
This collection brings together work I’ve made on paper and on my iPad: portraits, still lifes, studies from references, and experiments with colour and texture.
I’ve gathered a few favourites here. Thanks for taking a look.