Laura (Yi Zhen) Chen

Cafe Scene, Original Painting

2026

Artist Comments
Three patrons engage in a lively conversation in a local café. Beneath the room's carefully designed lighting, shafts of sunlight cast intricate patterns across the walls and tables. In creating this piece, artist Laura (Yi Zhen) Chen took inspiration from her exhibition at an artsy café.

About the Artist
Laura begins the painting process by taking multiple photographs, which she then combines and sketches into one composition. She takes a spontaneous approach to color, and often finds that her final paintings are quite different than her original intentions. As such, her color palette is vibrant and at times unexpected. Laura’s artwork is executed with stylized modernism, featuring heavy outlines and dramatic shadows. Much of her subject matter is architectural. “I especially like historical buildings in my area,” says Laura. “I am fascinated by the geometric shapes of the old buildings, their varieties and repetitions, their dramatic color contrast. To me, their simple structures have personality and dignity.” Laura works best when her studio is clean and well organized, and finds inspiration in the “miles of good paintings” hanging in the world’s great museums.

Words that describe this painting: cafe, friends, bar, interior, table, drinks, restaurant, window, sunlight, group, trio, impressionism, people, acrylic painting, brown

Cafe Scene
Laura (Yi Zhen) Chen
Acrylic painting on canvas board
Finished white edges
Ready to frame
One-of-a-kind
Signed on front
2026
20 in. h x 20 in. w x 1.5 in. d
0 lbs. 12 oz.