The establishment of The Lingnan School of Chinese Painting was originated in the 1920s. During that time, three painters, Messrs. Gao Jianfu, Gao Qifeng and Chen Shuren, who all had studied painting in Japan, were not satisfied with existing conservative Chinese painting teaching methods which mainly encouraging followers to copy and duplicate. Thus they started to revolutionize Chinese painting. “Compromising Chinese & foreign art, blending the past and the contemporary’” is their aim. And so they have initiated the New Chinese Painting Movement which in time were gradually accepted by many followers. Later on people named this new style of Chinese Painting:“The Lingnan School of Painting”.

The Lingnan School of Painting emphasis the importance of the following points:

1. Study and sketch from life.
2. Structual brush work and colors.
3. The effect of light on subjects and atmospheric effects.

Representative painters of The Lingnan School of Painting:

Gao Jian Fu (1879-1951)             Studied Chinese painting with Master Ju Lian

                                                    Further studied painting in Japan in 1906

                                                    Founder of The Chun Sui Painting School

Gao Qi Feng (1889-1933)           First studied Chinese painting with his elder brother Gao Jian Fu.

                                                   Further studied painting in Japan in 1907

Chen Shu Ren (1883-1948)        Studied Chinese painting with Master Ju Lian
                                                    Further studied painting in Japan in 1906, entering Tokyo Academy of Fine Arts

Zhao Xiao An (1905-1998)         Studied Chinese painting with Master Gao Qi Feng

                                                    Founder of The Lingnan Art Studio

Guan Shan Yue (1912-2000)      Studied Chinese painting with Master Gao Jian Fu

                                                    Vice-Chairman of The Chinese Artists Association

Li Xiong Cai (1910-2001)            Studied Chinese painting with Master Gao Jian Fu

                                                    Vice-Principal of The Guangzhou Academy of Painting

Yang Shan Shen (1913-               Studied painting in Japan in 1934
                                                    In close relationship with Master Gao Jian Fu as friend and student.
                                                    Founder of The Chun Fung Art Club
                                                    Most senior and esteemed artist of The Lingnan School of Painting to-day