Master class in oil painting

An ongoing exhibition of the works of Jin Shangyi showcases his prodigious talent, Lin Qi reports.

Jin Shangyi, 85, is one of the most popular home-grown oil painters in China. And through the decades he has painted portraits from a wide social spectrum, including farmers, workers, teachers, singers and doctors.

His works demonstrate the Chinese understanding of oil painting, which was introduced to the country by European missionaries more than 100 years ago.

Also, Jin is seen as the pioneer of a movement called neoclassicism, which began in the 1980s in which he has introduced the simplicity, tranquility and depth of Chinese aesthetics.

And by doing so, he has guided viewers to appreciate the beauty of oil painting infused with the emotions and mentality of ordinary Chinese, evoking a touch of intimacy.

To make his works more accessible to viewers, Jin donated 35 of his paintings to the National Art Museum of China in Beijing on Friday.

The donation ceremony also marked the opening of his third one-man exhibition at the same venue.