Interview
Henry Hao
Henry Hao is a Toronto-based painter and watercolor illustrator whose work is known for its thoughtfulness, emotional depth, and ability to capture the quiet poetry of urban life. His widely loved Toronto Charm series brings everyday moments of the city to life, offering viewers a warm and intimate perspective through his distinctive artistic voice. Henry’s refined linework and elegant palette form the foundation of a style that is both delicate and deeply expressive. His work has been showcased at major juried exhibitions, including the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (2023, 2024, 2025) and the Artist Project Art Fair (2023, 2024, 2025). In 2023, Henry received the Toronto Mayor’s Purchase Award at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair. His painting Weekend Fun became part of the City of Toronto’s permanent public art collection.
In 2025, his work Palace was acquired by the Toronto Public Library (TPL), where his painting received further professional recognition. Many of Henry’s artworks have been collected by private collectors across North America and Europe. Every stroke Henry paints reflects his affection for Toronto — its quiet corners, gentle rhythms, unexpected moments of beauty, and the soft, everyday poetry woven into city life. Through his work, he invites viewers to pause, feel, and rediscover the warmth and wonder found in ordinary moments.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My connection with art began in childhood. I loved drawing on my own, and that passion eventually led me to attend a professional art high school. I later studied at the College of Fashion Art and Design at Donghua University. After graduating, I spent more than twenty years working in the fashion industry as both a designer and the owner of a fashion company. After retiring, I returned to painting—the place where everything started. I’ve always enjoyed using lines to capture the small moments of daily life and the atmosphere of my surroundings. Over time, this evolved naturally into my own artistic style.”
What inspires you?
“In 2022, after the pandemic, Toronto resumed the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF), which has been running for more than sixty years. I was selected for the Art Encounters program and participated in a major art fair for the first time. Twelve of my works were collected during the event, and the encouraging feedback from collectors and visitors became a powerful motivation for me to continue pursuing art full-time.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Life itself is my theme. Everything I experience—places I pass through, moments I encounter, shifts in light and atmosphere—can spark inspiration. My works often resonate with viewers because they come from real, lived emotions. Each painting carries my personal interpretation of an environment: my sensitivity to ambiance, my appreciation of architectural style, and the quiet stir of feelings that arise from a fleeting moment. These elements allow viewers to project their own memories and emotions onto the scene, often recalling something beautiful from their own lives.”
How would you describe your work?
“My works are delicate, expressive, and emotionally engaging. They carry a refined aesthetic and a distinctive personal character that often creates a strong emotional connection with the viewer.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I am deeply inspired by artists such as Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt, Camille Pissarro, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent van Gogh.”
“My works are delicate, expressive, and emotionally engaging. They carry a refined aesthetic and a distinctive personal character that often creates a strong emotional connection with the viewer.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is intuitive and varies from piece to piece. The common thread is that I only paint what I have personally experienced—places I’ve visited or moments I’ve been part of. When inspiration strikes, I often make on-site sketches to capture the feeling of the moment. Back in the studio, I combine these sketches with collected references, develop my composition, and refine the piece until it fully expresses what I want to convey.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists contribute to society by creating beauty and emotional connection. For me, art should bring joy, comfort, and warmth. Through my paintings, I hope to offer viewers a positive, uplifting experience—something that encourages them to feel grounded, hopeful, and connected to the world around them.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“So far, I have participated in two major art fairs: Artist Project and Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF). Both events have been meaningful experiences for me and are platforms I would genuinely recommend to other artists.”
Instagram: @henryhao.art
