Gallery in the skies: in conversation with landscape painter Lau Yin Yeung

Using a fine paintbrush, Lau Yin Yeung dabs oil paint with meticulous precision, shaping the shadows of a grey cloud. “These painting methods may seem unusual in today’s art scene because they’re seldom used now, yet they dominated the art world for centuries,” he says.  

He begins each piece by creating a monotone underpainting, before building upon this artistic bedrock with several layers of thin glaze. It’s a deceptively simple process that, layer after layer, brings his rich landscapes to life.   

“The classical method begins with a grey underpainting that must be completely dry before adding more colours,” explains Lau. “The ensuing shades emerge from a blend of this grey base and successive, semi-transparent layers of colour, creating a sense of depth. The final hues, often unpredictable, require multiple applications to achieve perfection.” 

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Lau focuses his artistic attention primarily on landscapes that are familiar to him – he is passionate about portraying both man-made and natural cityscapes. “Most of my work depicts landscapes from Hong Kong,” he details. “I live on the western side of Hong Kong Island, near the old public cargo loading areas of Kennedy Town and Shek Tong Tsui. They provide sweeping vistas and have always been my go-to spots for inspiration.” 

Lau has created two pieces for us: Freighter sailing across the ocean at sunset and Ferry gliding through the sea of fog. The works are part of our Gallery in the skies, a series of thirty artworks that will be displayed in the Business cabins of our Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This initiative features artists deeply connected to Hong Kong, each offering their unique perspective on the natural world. Lau’s contributions capture the sea opposite western Hong Kong Island and the peaks of Lantau Island at sunset, with one painting featuring a ferry traversing the seas between Cheung Chau and Central. 

“When I selected the scene, the weather was overcast, which inspired me to infuse the painting with the warm glow of a sunset, adding a touch of my own imagination,” he explains. The works have a quality that, when first seen, gives them almost a sense of photographic realism. However, a closer look rewards the viewer with a rich palette of vibrant, layered colours. 

The creation of these two artworks spanned two months, with meticulous attention given to the choice of materials: Lau opted for wood panels over canvas. “I sought to capture fine textures and details in my paintings,” he says. “Thin canvas can be too delicate, and its elasticity might compromise the painting process. Wood, however, remains firm, allowing for more precise brushstrokes and greater durability, unlike traditional canvas oil paintings, which are prone to severe cracking over time.” 

Ships are often featured in his landscapes, a theme that can be traced back to his childhood experiences. “As a kid, my father would take me to the cargo docks in Sai Wan to watch the ships. Now, I find myself often walking by the sea,” he says. It's therefore hardly surprising that many of his paintings showcase the shores of Hong Kong. This is not the only influence he retains from his childhood – Lau laughs as he recalls drawing on the walls at home when he was in kindergarten. “Luckily, my parents encouraged my artistic exploration by letting me draw freely.” 

Lau’s artistic approach has evolved as he’s grown. In recent years, he has found Buddhism, which has helped shift his focus from capturing external landscapes to exploring internal states. “In my youth, painting was a way to escape reality and find focus, much like how a beautiful view can momentarily relieve one's stress,” he says. Inspired by Buddhist teachings, he now sees painting as a way of reflecting upon one's true self and the inherent Buddha-nature that everyone possesses – he paints not merely to depict scenes but to observe and understand his inner self. 

Despite his love for travel, Lau rarely paints scenes from his journeys. “Having been born and raised here, I have a profound connection to Hong Kong, and capturing its landscapes demands personal experience,” he explains. The exploration of his own internal state through painting only serves to reinforce this statement. Travelling abroad not only allows him to see the familiar scenes of home in a new light but also acts as a catalyst. “The act of travelling, much like painting, is an escape from daily routines, offering a way to recharge and reignite my creative energy,” Lau continues: a reflection of his spiritual practice which is interwoven throughout his life and his work. 

His two paintings will soon soar through the skies. “Most of the time, these planes are high above, and both pieces are depictions of the ground below, hoping to offer passengers a delightful view upon arrival. The cabin provides an intimate space where passengers can closely engage with the artworks, appreciating the details in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.”