Tao Lengyue

Author: Tao Lengyue, drawn by Lang Shaojun
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-05-01
Features: The painter, grounded in the spiritual essence of heaven and earth, converges with the wondrous imagination of the human heart. Standing between heaven and earth, surrounded by all phenomena, the artist blends thought with delight, suddenly sketches forth, and swiftly follows what they see, hear, and feel. With a resounding cry, they create works of extraordinary beauty. Our country's painting has deep roots, dating back to Gu Kaizhi in the Jin Dynasty. For over a thousand years, countless schools have emerged, with masters appearing in every generation. From the North to the South, talented artisans have risen, each with distinct styles, forming their own unique traditions. The vast Yangtze River and the majestic Kunlun Mountains are not enough to describe their lofty heights. Later generations, wishing to learn their details and appreciate their wonders, find it difficult. I was born unable to paint, yet by observing the works of ancient and modern masters and their inevitable changes over time, I have come to understand that one must first learn the rules before one can transcend them. The ancients said that this art is a place to express one's aspirations—was it truly so? Reading through the masterpieces of past generations, I realize that their techniques are like reflections in a mirror, water and moon—apparent yet elusive; while their lack of rigid rules is like the boundless blue sky and clear water, vast and endless. Our society gathers works from ancient and modern times, selecting the finest from each era, detailing their lives, artistic philosophies, technical features, and lineage. This allows readers to see a glimpse and grasp the whole, understand one painter and grasp an era's art, and through reading collections of dozens of painters, gain an overview of our country's millennia-old painting civilization. Due to the passage of time and frequent wars, countless masterpieces have been lost or damaged. Some famous painters left no works behind, while others, though painters, left no records of their lives. As a result, few images and texts remain, making comprehensive introductions impossible. Thus, we have compiled this collection of several individuals, which is better than having nothing at all. In the past, Ouyang Xun compiled Yiwen Lüji and said, "I wish to make every household rich in rare pearls and every person treasure jade, so that the elders' collections can each express their own views." This collection embodies that very idea. It introduces the author's life, artistic philosophy, technical features, and lineage. The author's paintings are characterized by "structural spirit, embodying the essence of our culture, transmitting light and perspective, and incorporating European influences." The landscapes, flowers, animals, fish, and moonlit scenes blending Eastern and Western styles in the book leave a lasting impression. Additionally, the book offers high artistic appreciation value. It is the best rare collection for those who love painting.