David Swenson

Crabapple Blossoms

<p>Looking at beautiful works of art at Mia always stimulates my imagination. These pieces of art are often on my mind as I create.</p>


pink blossoms on dark pink stems, with clusters attached to grey branch; inscription and 2 seals at right

Xiang Shengmo was born into one of the most prestigious families in Jiaxing, a city in northeastern China. When the Manchu invasion reached Jiaxing, in 1645, many of Xiang’s friends and relatives died in a vain attempt to save their city. His homestead was destroyed and his family’s art collections lost. Following this upheaval, Xiang’s painting changed from an amateur, literati pursuit, becoming a source of income. Xiang was at the height of his technical and expressive powers when he created this album, featuring a wide range of flowers including wintersweet, cockscomb, apricot, pear, daylily, and cassia. He worked here in pure color without ink outlines and in shaded brushstrokes, which give the impression of three-dimensional modeling.

David Swenson
Crabapple Blossoms, iPad drawing using Procreate

Inspired by:

Crab-apple Blossom from a Flower Album of Ten Leaves, 17th century — Artist: Xiang Shengmo — Ink and color on paper

What does inspiration mean to you?

Connect with the artist

David Swenson Crabapple Blossoms, iPad drawing using Procreate

Inspired by:

Crab-apple Blossom from a Flower Album of Ten Leaves, 17th century — Artist: Xiang Shengmo — Ink and color on paper

What does inspiration mean to you?

Connect with the artist

David Swenson
Crabapple Blossoms, iPad drawing using Procreate