When he made his first visit to China in 1996, internationally acclaimed Australian artist Charles Billich never expected that his life would become so closely connected with the ancient country.

Eight years later, thanks to his devotion in supporting the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, he has become one of the most renowned contemporary foreign painters to Chinese art-lovers.

At the crucial moment when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) chose the host city of the 2008 Games, Billich presented the Beijing Olympic Bid Committee with a painting to show his personal support.

Entitled Beijing Millennium Cityscape, the artistic interpretation of Beijing, 2.8-metres-high and 1.8-metres-wide, portrays the city as a symbol of international goodwill.

Portraying a modern Beijing flowing out of the ancient Great Wall, Billich made a powerful, visual case for Beijing's Olympic bid.

Now he is working on another oil painting, which he plans to present to the Beijing Municipal government as a gift to commemorate the city's successful bid.

In late April, Billich's office in China held a special ceremony on which the artist made the first brush stroke on the painting.

He Zhenliang, China's IOC member, also painted symbolic strokes.

Two babies born on July 13, 2001, the day when Beijing won the Olympic bid, inked their fingerprints on the canvas.

Billich said the title of the second painting has not been decided yet, adding that he was sure that "it will be more ambitious and a natural sequel to the first one."

Both paintings, he claimed, will have "historic significance and a place in Chinese history."

The sketch of the new painting includes some of the rudiments of the map of China. Billich said he would try to symbolize all major cities and regions in China including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.

The artist, called "the Olympic painter," is well-known for his cityscapes series of many Olympic host cities.

He has painted Atlanta, Sydney, Paris, Salt Lake City and Athens.

Because of his zeal and contributions in both sports and arts, he was presented the Sports Artist of the Year 2000 Award by the American Sport Art Museum and Archives and the United States Sports Academy.

This is the first time for him to paint a country as a subject.

He was proud of the fact that Marco Polo, the first Westerner to travel in China, was born only 50 miles away from his birthplace in Italy.

He said the ancient history of China will be the source of his inspiration.

"China has always inspired me. China has a rich culture and over 5,000 years of civilization. There is wisdom and heritage the world could learn from," he said.

In "Beijing Millennium Cityscape," Billich used terra cotta warriors to spread the Olympic message.

Under the walls of the Forbidden City, the ancient clay warriors are brought to life, performing modern Olympic sport instead of engaging in battle.

What also inspires Billich are the great changes currently taking place in China.

"China has always fascinated me," he said, "My first visit to China was in 1996, at the invitation of the Chinese Artists' Association. I also came in 2000 at the invitation of the Beijing Olympic Bid Committee, and now at the invitation of the Information Office of the Beijing Municipal government."

Billich said he was surprised at the great transformation that has taken place in the country.

"The progress China has made is the envy of the world. The care for the environment, the sustained economic growth, the beautiful buildings, the happy faces on the streets," he said.

Billich describes his works as surrealistic and prides himself on being in touch with people.

"As an artist, my pursuit is beauty and peace. Some people say that my paintings are too beautiful, but sometimes we forget how beautiful the place we are living in is," he said. The artist also said that he wanted to encourage people to care for their environment and to attain perfection.

The China oil painting combines the old and the new, as Billich said he wants to encourage people not to forget the past as human beings forge into the future.

"I hope to put some magic into the painting that will inspire others to appreciate and preserve the riches we have inherited and want the children after us to enjoy," he said.

"This painting will be a milestone for me."

Billich added that he is welcoming suggestions from people all around China to help him create his masterpiece.

(China Daily May 13, 2004)