Landscape

This is clearly an exotic scene; the towering mountains and the architectural style indicate a location somewhere in southern China. Zhang Bu is known for his dramatic use of color and bold compositions. Born in Hebei province in 1934, Zhang studied painting at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing with master Li Keran, who was famous for his monumental landscapes in dark ink and heavy colors. Li was trained in Europe and attempted to combine elements of Western painting with those of traditional Chinese. His influence on Zhang Bu’s work is seen in the use of light, shading, and composition. Zhang has traveled throughout China; one of his favorite scene types is the water village surrounded by mountains. Like his teacher Li, Zhang later became a professional artist at the Beijing Fine Art Academy.