In traditional Chinese realistic painting, line drawing is the basic element, and is usually the first step in creating a painting. Then, on the basis of the shapes that have been formed on paper, the painter applies colors until the flowers and birds come alive with bright hues. During ancient times, a number of artists were accomplished in realistic painting.

In modern times, there are still many Chinese artists who have committed themselves to traditional Chinese realistic painting. Having inherited the use of traditional brushwork, they also seek to use modern innovations and breakthroughs in the art world. Among these painters, Wang Tiansheng has stood out.

Born in December 1946 in Dalian, Liaoning Province, Wang Tiansheng fell in love with traditional Chinese painting when he was a child. He then ardently studied the skills and brushwork of realistic paintings through the ages, and tried his best to find and accurately copy famous paintings by celebrated artists. After having grasped the essence of the traditional art form and gained a solid mastery of basic painting skills, he learned the coloring and brush techniques of Western oil painting, and incorporated these skills in his own works. He has thus developed a special style of realistic painting based on the use of rich colors.

Well-cultured in literature, Wang is good at adding poetic touches to his paintings. Under his brush, everything, whether it is a flower, bird, duck, sparrow, or grass, is depicted in an extraordinary way. The tulips Wang has painted feature thick but gorgeous colors, powerful lines, and large blocks of color introduced by Western painting. In addition, washing off, spray coating, and many other painting processes have been used to showcase the beauty and magnificence of the flower.

Wang is currently a professor at the Fine Art Department of the Art Academy of the People's Liberation Army, a member of the Chinese Artists Association, and vice-president and secretary-general of the Chinese Society for Contemporary Realistic Painting. His works have won prizes at national art exhibitions. Silk Road on Sea and Spring Sun won gold prizes at the Second and the Fourth National Realistic Painting Exhibitions, respectively. His works have also been exhibited in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Zone, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States; and many have been collected by domestic and foreign art galleries as well as individuals. His painting The Majestic Appearance of Mount Huashan and two of his other works have been presented by state leaders as gifts to foreign countries.

(China Pictorial April 7 2003)