Life & Work with Allan Chow of Sugar Land, Texas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allan Chow

Hi Allan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born to Malaysian parents of Chinese descent, Allan Chow’s artistic journey began in a rich blend of cultural traditions in Malaysia. In the 1990s, his family made the life-changing decision to emigrate to the United States, settling in Austin, Texas. Growing up as an immigrant in a new country, he navigated the complexities of identity and assimilation, all while nurturing his passion for art.

He went on to pursue is BFA in Illustration at the Kansas City Art Institute, where his creative vision began to take shape. The diverse, urban environment of Kansas City, along with the vast, rolling landscapes of the Kansas Flint Hills, provided a unique contrast that would come to define his artistic style. Drawing from his deep admiration for the city and its natural surroundings, he began capturing the essence of both Kansas City’s vibrant cityscapes and the serene, wide-open Flint Hills in his paintings.

Living in Kansas City for over two decades, he immersed himself in the local culture, allowing the architecture, textures, and colors of the urban environment to become central elements in his work. The undulating hills and sweeping skies of the Kansas countryside also inspired a series of breathtaking landscapes that evoke both the serenity and raw beauty of the region. His paintings have captivated many, with his distinctive depictions of the Flint Hills and Kansas City cityscapes hanging in private collections, including those of high-profile clients such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. His art stands as a testament to his unique perspective, blending his heritage with the heart of his adopted home.

Beyond his artistic success, he is a devoted husband and father, sharing his life with his beautiful wife and two creative and loving children. His family has been a constant source of inspiration, grounding him in the values of love and dedication. Today, he continues to create, finding joy in his art and the life he’s built with his family, while remaining a cherished figure in the Kansas City art scene.

Represented by Prairiebrooke Arts Gallery in Overland Park, Kansas, Allan is a highly regarded painter of abstracted landscapes of the Kansas City skyline, the Flint Hills and San Francisco – all inspiring subjects. Allan’s eye-catching red stamp graces each of his paintings, setting them apart from other works on gallery walls. His original paintings and prints belong to prestigious Kansas City-area collections such as H&R Block; the Kansas City Royals; Kansas City Chiefs; BKD; Lewis, Rice and Fingersh Law Firm; Marriott Hotel, the Overland Park Convention Center; the University of Kansas Medical Center; University of Missouri-Kansas City; University Health, Kansas City; and the Kauffman Foundation. Through his work, he continues to celebrate both his heritage and the place he now calls home, creating art that resonates with people of all backgrounds and stories.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
College was a transformative experience—he found his artistic voice, formed deep friendships, and embraced the creative freedom he had longed for. But after graduation, reality struck hard. He had to choose between pursuing his dream as an Artist or moving back to Malaysia to be closer to family.

The labyrinth of strict U.S. immigration laws turned his journey into an uphill battle. Work opportunities were scarce, visas were limiting, and uncertainty loomed over his future. There were moments of doubt, times when he questioned whether he should give up and return home. But he refused to let bureaucracy define his destiny.

Through sheer perseverance, talent, and relentless hard work, he carved out a place in the art world. His evocative pieces, often reflecting themes of displacement, longing, and resilience, subconsciously gained recognition. Slowly but surely, his fine art career flourished through the help of art galleries and collectors who gave him opportunities.

Yet, despite his success, a part of him remains in Malaysia. He misses his family deeply—the warmth of home-cooked meals, the familiar sounds of his childhood streets, the presence of loved ones who supported him from afar. Though distance and borders separate them, he pours his emotions into his art, bridging the gap between the life he left behind and the future he is building.

His story is one of sacrifice, struggle, and triumph—a testament to the unbreakable spirit of an artist who dared to dream beyond borders.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The challenges of settling in a new country and environment while feeling torn between the values of Allan’s heritage and the new world around him fostered a unique perspective on the subject matters he was painting. His works began to subconsciously reflect his dual identity, blending traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern Western influences. His journey as an artist is deeply personal—having left Malaysia to pursue his passion, he found inspiration in the vast, open landscapes of Kansas and the architectural beauty of the city he now calls home. Using a palette knife instead of traditional brushes, he layers paint with energy and precision, creating dynamic compositions that blend movement, light, and emotion.
His work is a fusion of cultures and experiences, reflecting both the nostalgia of a homeland left behind and the newfound appreciation for the Midwest’s rugged beauty. Through his art, he bridges worlds, transforming ordinary scenes into evocative expressions of identity, resilience, and place.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
After graduating from college as a freelance illustrator, he faced the harsh reality of strict immigration laws, which made it difficult to establish himself solely as a freelance artist. To navigate these challenges, he turned to Graphic Design—a field that offered some stability and work opportunities while still allowing him to exercise his creativity. Balancing both careers, he found ways to sustain himself, building a life in a country that often felt uncertain for immigrants like him.
Though Fine Art remained his true calling, Graphic Design became an unexpected yet valuable part of his journey, giving him the financial footing to continue painting and the flexibility to grow his career. Over time, as his artwork gained recognition, he no longer had to choose between the two paths—instead, he embraced both, forging a dual career that allowed him not only to survive but to thrive.

Today, he is a successful artist, with collectors drawn to his rich, textured palette knife paintings, and a respected graphic designer whose work reflects his strengths as an illustrator and colorist. His perseverance paid off, enabling him to build a family and a fulfilling life in America. Yet, his journey is always present in his art—each stroke of his palette knife tells a story of struggle, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams across borders.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.allanchow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vermilion_studio?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofallanchow
• Other: https://pbarts.com/artist/allan-chow