Mantis and Weed

Lingnan school painting is associated with incorporating techniques from Western art composition, including perspective, chiaroscuro, and an expressive color palette. In some of Chao Shao-An’s paintings, these elements dominate. In others, the influence is selectively localized to a small area. In this study of a praying mantis, only the insect is treated in color, with a concentration on the lower half of its body. The text on the painting reads:

Soaked with dew, it makes its first attempt.
Facing the wind, its arm extends half way.

Jiazi year (1984), spring, third month. Shao-An.