Watch our video to learn how to create your own watercolor collage
Anna Chen says making collages from watercolor paintings provides her flexibility.
When Anna Chen moved from Greenville to Charleston to attend the Medical University of South Carolina, she had no idea that a twist of fate would change the course of her life. Two years into the program, she painted a watercolor collage of D’Allesandro’s Pizza as a gift for her boyfriend. The artwork was a hit, and people started asking her to create watercolors of their homes. At the same time, she’d noticed her values were shifting and realized that medical school wasn’t the right career path.
Chen decided to take a semester off and found she was happier making art than studying medicine. She later graduated with a master’s degree in medical science, but today she is a full-time artist with a studio at Redux Contemporary Art Center. The painter, who teaches the monthly UnWined with Watercolor class at Redux, is gearing up to show her work at fall markets. Her popular (and very funny) Instagram account (@AnnaChen.Art) features a weekly “Get Your Art Together” roundup of art events happening in town. Here, Chen shares the allure of collage.
Chen's subjects, such as a local Waffle House and coffee mug (right), evoke a sense of joy and nostalgia.
Discovering Watercolor: I had dabbled in watercolor in high school. It intimidated me because it’s permanent, but I loved the looseness. Making collages from cut-up watercolors gives me control. If I don’t like something, I don’t have to glue it down. It’s so flexible, and it can look like so many things.
Change of Course: Growing up in Greenville, I always loved art classes. Maybe that should have been a sign. My parents were supportive of my career change, but I was nervous because I didn’t feel like a real artist and didn’t know what would happen. I had a lease, so I decided to stay in Charleston and give it a try. I found the community to be welcoming, and it was easy to meet people. Everyone is so genuine, and there are great opportunities here.
Getting Inspired: I like to create things that make people laugh or smile. I don’t make classic art that would be in a traditional museum. My most popular print is of Waffle House; everyone has a Waffle House story. Two strangers can look at it and feel the same nostalgia. That’s really important.
Chen teaches the UnWined with Watercolor class at Redux and compiles weekly “Get Your Art Together” event listings for her Instagram account.
A Gift: I am extra connected to my heritage because I was able to live in China for two years. There’s a deep appreciation for art in that culture—watercolor, ink, and paper-cutting are traditional. My mom was gifted a malachite chop (a carved personal seal used as a signature), and I had my Chinese name, Chen Lu, carved into it. There’s not a huge Asian community here, so it’s nice to represent.
Teaching UnWined: The class was a hand-me-down from another artist, and I was nervous at first. But people come in ready to play. We drink wine and try some basic techniques. Then, we cut up the paper and do collage. I also get to do bad stand-up comedy for a captive audience. I warn them.
Get Your Art Together: When I first started dipping my toes into the local art scene, I wanted to go to all the events. I use a paper planner and make lists of what’s going on—but why should I gate-keep that information? I use Canva to create a graphic every week, with apologies to real graphic designers. But I love putting something back into the community.
WATCH - UnWined with Watercolor with Artist Anna Chen
