Spotlight on Shandong

The people of Shandong province are often seen as rough and candid. But one wouldn't guess this from the flower-and-bird paintings by Shandong artists, now on display at the National Art Museum of China.

While the 110 works by some 40 accomplished painters are all elegant pieces, the huge exhibits reflect the subtle differences between the various regions that the artists come from.

Born in 1956, Tang Qiuling graduated from the fine arts department of Shandong Normal University in 1983. Her work, Fragrance of Tea, stands out for its harmonious color scheme, fine brushstrokes and elaborate composition.