Born in the year of the Horse, Xiang Zhang (pronounced Shong Zang) grew up in China. After graduating from The Central Academy of Drama in Beijing, where he was strongly influenced by the 19th century Russian masters, he received his Masters Degree in Fine Art from Tulane University in New Orleans. While at Tulane, he developed his special style of portraiture work and increasingly cowboy art.
Combining impressionistic, as well as realistic techniques, awards in regional and national shows marked him as an artist to watch. The excellent, consistent quality of Zhang’s work has made him one of the most collectible artists in the world.
In 2002, he moved to a ranch in Sherman, Texas. Immersed in the local ranching lifestyle, his work reflects the symbiotic relationship between the cowboy and his horse. Using scintillating colors and bravura brushwork to capture the drama of ranching life, his definitive style has catapulted him to new heights in the art world.
Xiang Zhang’s paintings hang in private and corporate collections in the United States, Canada, Europe, and China.
Combining impressionistic, as well as realistic techniques, awards in regional and national shows marked him as an artist to watch. The excellent, consistent quality of Zhang’s work has made him one of the most collectible artists in the world.
In 2002, he moved to a ranch in Sherman, Texas. Immersed in the local ranching lifestyle, his work reflects the symbiotic relationship between the cowboy and his horse. Using scintillating colors and bravura brushwork to capture the drama of ranching life, his definitive style has catapulted him to new heights in the art world.
Xiang Zhang’s paintings hang in private and corporate collections in the United States, Canada, Europe, and China.
Xiang Zhang is featured in the following books and magazines:
"Western Traditions"
Contemporary Artists of The American West is a lively and informative look at the art
of the American West. Anchored by Michael Duty's solid essays on the history and current
state of painting and sculpture, with a special emphasis on Remington and Russell, this
book is supported by Suzanne Deats' interviews with the artists, all of whom are living
and working today.
By Michael Duty Suzanne Deats
Frisco Fine Art Publications. LLC 2005
Frisco Fine Art Publications. LLC 2005
"Westward Bound"
Horses inspired Xiang Zhang to paint--and they eventually drew him to the Texas
ranch where he feels most at home.
By Gretchen Reynolds
Southwest Art Magazine, March issue, 2006
Southwest Art Magazine, March issue, 2006
"From the Heart"
Xiang Zhang loves to tell stories about the cowboys of the Southwest who have shared
their everyday lifestyles with him.
By Barbara Coyner
Art of the West, May/June issue, 2005
Art of the West, May/June issue, 2005
"Dash and Daring"
Xiang Zhang's bravura brushwork and scintillating colors delight the senses.
BySusan Hallaten Mcgarry
Focus Santa Fe, October/November/December issue, 2004
Focus Santa Fe, October/November/December issue, 2004
"A Collection of Portraits"
Zhang's style of portraiture incorporates approaches from the schools of realism and
impressionism. Whether the portrait he creates has a sumptuous Old Master quality or
is a striking contemporary design, Zhang achieves a highly appealing work distinctive
as a portrait and as fine art.
By Portrait Brokers of America, 2004
"The Horse as Immortal"
Cowboys and horses seem an unlikely choice of subject matter for a Chinese-born painter.
But Xiang Zhang says he has a reverence for the horse that transcends genre. Born,
fittingly, in the year of horse, Zhang calls his appreciation genetic.
By Barbara Covner
Equine Images, Spring Issue, 2001
Equine Images, Spring Issue, 2001
"Reading the Light"
Give your oil portrait's a lifelike glow with this simple, natural approach.
By Xiang Zhang
The Artist's Magazine, August issue, 1999
The Artist's Magazine, August issue, 1999
"Quenching the Thirst"
Bold colors and heavy brush strokes fill the canvas. The artist works steadily, painting
from his haert and mind: seasoned cowboys in denim and leather, wide Texas skies,
broad-flanked cowponies with sweat glistening from their sides, And cattle, lots of
cattle. It's a world Xiang Zhang savors.
By Barbara Couner
Art of the West, May/June issue, 1999
Art of the West, May/June issue, 1999
"Cultural Exchange"
Chinese artist Xiang Zhang left a past stifled by isolation for a future filled with a
world of possibilities.
By Sara Ford
Taos Magazine, September issue, 1998
Taos Magazine, September issue, 1998
