Our Masters
Master-Led Instruction by Li Zhai & Yujuan Zhai with over 30 years of combined teaching experience. Both trained at prestigious Chinese art academies and bring authentic traditional techniques to every lesson.
WHERE TRADITIONMEETS TALENT
Connecticut's Award-Winning Studio for Chinese Brush Painting & Portfolio Mastery. Master-led instruction by Li Zhai and Yujuan Zhai in Waterford, CT, where centuries of artistic tradition meet modern creative ambition.
Why Choose Li Zhai
Excellence in Art Education
For over three decades, Li Zhai Art Schools has been Connecticut's premier destination for students seeking mastery in Chinese brush painting and competitive art portfolio development. Our proven track record speaks through the success of our students.
College Portfolio Success
Our students have been admitted to RISD, Parsons, SVA, Cooper Union, Yale School of Art, MICA, Pratt Institute, and ArtCenter College of Design. We maintain a 95% acceptance rate to top art programs nationwide.
2025 Award Winners
This year our students earned 12 Gold Keys, 18 Silver Keys, and 24 Honorable Mentions at the Scholastic Art Awards. We also produced 3 First Place winners at the National Chinese Painting Competition.
About Our Studio
A Legacy of Artistic Excellence Since 1995
Li Zhai Art Schools was founded with a singular vision: to create a sanctuary where the ancient traditions of Chinese brush painting could flourish alongside modern artistic ambition. Located in the heart of Waterford, Connecticut, our studio has spent nearly three decades nurturing young artists and guiding them toward competitive excellence.
Under the master-led instruction of Li Zhai and Yujuan Zhai, both trained at prestigious Chinese art academies, students learn authentic techniques that have been refined over centuries. From the meditative practice of ink grinding to the precise control of brush strokes that define traditional Shan Shui landscape painting, every lesson connects students to a rich artistic heritage while preparing them for contemporary success.
Our comprehensive programs serve students at all levels, from beginners discovering the joy of brush and ink to advanced artists preparing portfolios for competitive college admissions. Whether your goal is to win Scholastic Art Awards, gain admission to RISD or Parsons, or simply develop a lifelong appreciation for the art of Chinese painting, Li Zhai Art Schools provides the expert guidance and supportive environment to help you succeed.
Our Philosophy
Three Pillars of Excellence
Tradition
Rooted in Centuries of Mastery
Our curriculum draws from the Lingnan and Northern Song traditions of Chinese brush painting, preserving techniques passed down through generations of master artists. Students learn authentic Shan Shui landscape painting, bird-and-flower compositions, and classical calligraphy methods that have been refined over a thousand years of practice.
Technique
Precision Meets Expression
From ink preparation and brush holding to stroke pressure and composition balance, students learn the fundamentals that transform raw talent into refined artistry. Our instruction covers both traditional Chinese mediums and contemporary approaches, building versatile skills that translate across artistic disciplines.
Results
Proven Excellence
Over 200 Scholastic Art Awards, 50+ national painting medals, and a 95% college acceptance rate to top art programs. Our students consistently earn Gold & Silver Keys and gain admission to institutions like RISD, Parsons, Yale School of Art, and Cooper Union.
Celebrating Excellence
Recent Award Winners
Emily Chen
Scholastic Art Awards - Gold Key
2025/Chinese Brush Painting
Jason Liu
National Chinese Painting Competition - 1st Place
2025/Traditional Landscape
Sophia Wang
Scholastic Art Awards - Silver Key
2024/Mixed Media
Programs
Our Classes
Chinese Brush Painting
All Levels
Saturdays 10AM - 12PM
Learn traditional Shan Shui (mountain-water) landscape painting, bird-and-flower compositions, and ink wash techniques from master instructors. Students work with authentic Chinese brushes, rice paper, and mineral pigments while developing their understanding of composition, negative space, and the philosophical principles underlying Chinese art.
Portfolio Preparation
Advanced
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4PM - 6PM
Intensive preparation for college art portfolios targeting competitive admissions at RISD, Parsons, SVA, and other top programs. Focus on developing a cohesive body of work that showcases range, technical mastery, and personal artistic voice through observational drawing, creative compositions, and conceptual projects.
Youth Competition Coaching
Intermediate - Advanced
Wednesdays 4PM - 6PM
Targeted coaching for Scholastic Art Awards, regional competitions, and national Chinese painting exhibitions. Learn competition strategies, portfolio curation, and receive personalized feedback to strengthen submissions. Our students have earned over 200 Scholastic Awards including Gold Keys and American Visions nominations.