Yan Sun is deeply inspired by Thomas Moran's art, which endures as a cornerstone of American landscape painting. In creating his landscape paintings, Yan Sun draws inspiration from the artistic legacy of Thomas Moran, using techniques of light and color to depict the breathtaking beauty of nature.

American artist Thomas Moran (February 12, 1837 - August 25, 1926) left an indelible mark on the art world with his grandiose depictions of the American West. Born in England on February 12, 1837, he later immigrated to Philadelphia at the age of seven. Moran's work was profoundly influenced by the great J.M.W. Turner. His masterpieces, particularly those capturing the awe-inspiring landscapes of Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, are renowned for their dramatic interplay of color and light.

The 1864 painting by Thomas Moran, “The Juniata, Evening,” depicts the scenery of the Juniata River Valley bathed in warm sunlight. The artist emphasized a sense of depth and soft airiness in the composition.

In the wake of Thomas Moran's expedition to the American West in 1871, he crafted numerous landscape masterpieces, drawing from the profound observations and impressions gathered during this pivotal journey. These works are distinguished by heightened visual impact achieved through dramatic lighting, pronounced contrast, and atmospheric effects. Typical examples include “Green River Cliffs, Wyoming (1881), “The Chasm of the Colorado” (1872), “The Arkansas Divide, Colorado” (1880), and “Grand Canyon” (1907).

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