Wang Youzong's Ink Paintings of Flowers and Birds

Author: Li Rui Zhao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-03-01
Features: Wang Youzong is a native of Linfen, Shanxi Province, born in February 1933. From a young age, he had a deep love for painting. He is currently a member of the China Artists Association, a council member of the China Art Craft Society, and holds the title of Senior Art Craft Master. In 1955, he enrolled in the Fine Arts Department of Northwest Art College (now Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts), graduating in 1958 with a major in Flower and Bird Painting and staying to teach at the school. During this period, he deeply learned from masters such as Shi Lu, Zhao Wangyun, and Zheng Naiquan in traditional Chinese painting. He also benefited greatly from Zheng Naiquan’s comprehensive guidance in meticulous brushwork flower-and-bird painting, laying a solid foundation in theory and technique. In 1962, Wang Youzong transitioned to the art craft industry, serving as a pattern designer and deputy director of technical affairs at special art craft factories and Jinjiang Embroidery Factory, contributing to the lacquerware and embroidery crafts of Xi'an City. In 1973, he was responsible for establishing the Xi'an Art Craft Research Institute. In a short span of years, the institute’s innovative products won multiple awards in national and provincial competitions. In 1982, he traveled to the tropical forests of Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, for sketches, where he conducted on-site research and experienced exotic flowers, rare birds and animals, and local customs, leaving a lifelong impression. In 1987, Wang Youzong joined a Chinese Art Craft Delegation to visit Poland, not only learning about the country’s art craft but also practicing a lot of sketches. Over the years, Wang has tirelessly explored and pursued meticulous brushwork flower-and-bird painting. His works are grounded in solid line-drawing skills and realistic techniques, with meticulous and elegant compositions full of life’s charm. His flower-and-bird paintings combine traditional techniques with innovative concepts, making them enjoyable for both the refined and the masses, thus widely popular among the public. In 1987, Tianjin Yangliqing Press published his specialized collection of sketches titled "Flower and Bird Sketches from Yunnan." In 1988, Shaanxi Science and Technology Press published "Flower and Bird Poetry and Painting," featuring over 80 of his sketches. In 1988, Issue 6 of Shaanxi Illustrated Magazine featured a special column introducing "Wang Youzong’s Meticulous Brushwork Flower-and-Bird Paintings." Tianjin People’s Fine Arts Press and Shaanxi People’s Fine Arts Press have published his flower-and-bird four-screen New Year prints multiple times, selling them widely in cities and rural areas. Other publications such as "People’s China," "China Art Craft," and "Shaanxi Daily" have also featured his works and articles.