My friendship with a Chinese artist

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As far back as 1965 I have collect paintings which I considered fine works of art. Like a painter I was learning the difference between what looks a two star and what was a five star. I was learning my apprenticeship not as a painter---- but a buyer, collector, and dealer. I have lost count of the galleries I have visited all over the world. Lost count of the number of artist I have met and bought their works. Many, I still remember because they were good painters some produced a certain number of very collectable paintings of good value and then faded away, never to be seen or heard of again.

The author (R) poses with his Chinese friend Li Yelin (C) and Li's student. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

I naturally thought I had seen the best in quality painting until one day while shopping in Dallas, Texas USA, on show in the front window, perched on an artist easel, stood a painting of a maintain scene, which I took to be a brilliant water colour. Making further enquiries I was told it was on loan to the shop from an American collector and the Artist was Chinese. I had assumed it was a water colour, only to be told it was painted in Yelin Colour Ink. I made a note of the artist which was Li Yelin my problem was ---- what part of China did this man live; it is a very big country. It would to be two years before I met Li Yelin; however I researched every known source to find the background to this artist. My main source of information came from New York and Kuala Lumpur.

I had connections in China through which I was able to make contact and found out Li Yelin was a resident artist in Chengdu. My research on Li Yelin had produced much information. I soon learnt his works were already known and many collectors were adding his works to their collection. I had not been aware of Li Yelin simply because, I followed Middle East and Native American art.

I first met Mr. Li Yelin during 2001. My visit was to view his works and to get some understanding of the man --- I needed to understand what made him tick, and what was it that turned this man into such talent working in ink. I left China armed with Li Yelin's history; I now realised I had found one of China's talented artistic master. His works in his own colour ink setting him apart from all other artist. There are thousands of artist throughout the world who paint in oil, water colour but very few who work in Yelin Colour Ink. Back in London I asked an artist who worked in watercolour to try painting in Yelin Colour Ink. One week later she told me it was not a medium she found easy to work with and commented she would have to become a student again. It is easy to understand how a true artist must try creating paintings in a medium which others find hard to follow, that is a mark of man's talent.

When I first met Mr. Li Yelin he come across as a joyful person always smiling, when showing his paintings it was like seeing a man in love for the first time, the joy on his face shows his love for painting, there are always reasons for his painting a particular painting. Since 2001 I have been back to Chengdu many times and spent much time with Li Yelin both in his studio and on many occasions we have spent time fishing. One thing I understand from my observations is his love of nature, people and all events around his daily life. There are so many paintings which have been created.

"Snow Capped Mountain" painted by Li Yelin. [Photo/liyelinartist.com]

The Human Race and Nature series tells its own story. In Splendid Views Series, each painting tells its own story. From this series I have the original "Love of Autumn" painted 2002, which I intend to show with others I have in London. One painting that caught my eye which I don't have in this series was "The Fine Season of Autumn" painted 2005 this scene I know is in China ---- but it could also have been a scene from the American West. Some of the paintings are in simple form just illustrating something very simple but with much meaning ----- look at "Life in the rock" painted 1996, you then need to view another painting "Wood denudation serves human right" painted 2000. It shows a bleak scene with trees cut down in a maintain area and a lone bird wondering who has destroyed its home. That's my impression and it's meant to raise questions on why we destroy and not replace. (I must ask Yelin one day what is his interpretation)

I consider the Jiuzhaigou Valley Series a wonderful collection which I understand amounts to 200 paintings. I found it is very hard trying to decide which of these, would I choose, not an easy task. That's what makes Li Yelin’s works so hard if you're a collector, you can look at 50 and not know which one to buy, simply because they are all classic works.

Li Yelin's "Local Conditions and Customs" in his Xinjiang series shows Li Yelin's attention to people and customs. This collection is unique warm and colourful --- -- a part of China many people don’t see, so I assume with that in mind our artist painted such a fine collection. One painting caught my eye "Hurrying on with their journey" painted in 2005. I saw this painting just after it was painted and would have loved to have owned it. That’s the big problem when you view the works of Li Yelin you want them all. One other painting of this series is “Protecting home” painted 2005, a simple scene but eye catching with lovely colour.

I admire Li Yelin's paintings on people in particular "A Tibetan Lady" painted 1999, "Uygur old man" painted 1999, "Girls from countryside" painted 1994 and "Two Flaming Lovers" painted in 1993. One painting which would have sold in the US because it shows a strong face with a story is "Za Xi, a Tibetan man" painted 1999.

Recently I have seen two new paintings these are a Chinese Coal Miner. One of these paintings shows his family behind him and they look scared. I must ask the artist what is the story behind this painting. I have my own version of the meaning of this painting ----- now I'm wondering what Li Yelin's story is?

Li Yelin is not only a great artist in Colour ink; he demonstrates a story no matter what the subject is. His talents and gift flows through his fingers down through the brush to the rice paper and behold us once again have wonderful paintings.

Li Yelin，you have given many people throughout the world much pleasure. On their behalf I thank you. My wish is one day China will place all your works into one magnificent building so people all over China and far countries can come and view your paintings and understand through your work what wonderful places and people exist in China.

The author is a research writer who mainly writes on Chinese subjects. He resides in both London and Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan province. His Wife "Yu Hua" is from Chengdu.

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