"The Appearance VII" Painting

J. Jie Li is a New York-based contemporary fine artist whose layered watercolor and mixed-media compositions explore the spiritual landscapes of human existence—desire, loss, resilience, and the search for inner peace. After earning her BFA from Parsons School of Design, she transitioned from a successful career in fashion to fully embrace a fine art practice shaped by Zen Buddhism, Daoism, and the philosophical teachings of Arthur Schopenhauer. Stripping away ornamentation, her work transforms watercolor into a structural, high-gravity medium characterized by earthy washes and expressive calligraphic brushstrokes. Li’s paintings have been exhibited internationally at prestigious venues, including the Royal Academy of Arts and Mall Galleries in London, as well as the Alexandria Museum of Art, Ormond Memorial Art Museum, and Springfield Art Museum in the United States. A Board and Signature Member of the Watercolor USA Honor Society, she has received top awards globally, including the 2024 Kenneth M. Shuck Memorial Cash Award and the 2025 Alfa Award. Her work is held in prominent public and private collections worldwide. Public & Private Collections • Consulate General of Japan • The Holy Week Museum, Hellín, Spain • Albacete Provincial Council, Spain • Held in selective private and public collections across China, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Awards & Honors (Selected) • 2025 — 1st Place Winner, Alfa Awards, USA • 2025 — Sondra and George Juetten Award, 38th Annual Northern National Art Competition, USA • 2025 — Featured Artist, The Best Paintings 2024, Watercolor Artist Magazine, USA • 2024 — Top Award, Watercolor USA (Kenneth M. Shuck Memorial $3,000 Cash Award) • 2024 — Featured Collection Artist, Saatchi Art • 2023 — Top 10 New York Artists to Discover, Artling, Singapore • 2023 — First Place (Water Media), Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, USA • 2023 — Museum Award, Watercolor USA (Greg G.