The song of ink and the realm of life: The ink and wash figure paintings of Du Zilin

Abstract

This paper delves into the artistic achievements and stylistic characteristics of the renowned Chinese figure painter Du Zilin. Du Zilin, who was self-taught from a young age, successively studied under famous masters such as Ye Qian Yu and Li Zhen Jian. His artistic career spans from the 1950s and 1960s to the new era. His works are primarily ink and wash figure paintings, covering subjects such as real-life scenes, ethnic minority customs, and ancient poetic paintings. He is particularly skilled at depicting the lives of ethnic minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang. Du Zilin's figure paintings are distinctive in capturing the essence of his subjects and creating artistic realms. He integrates the strengths of both northern and southern Chinese painting styles, drawing on Huang Bin Hong' s ink accumulation techniques to form a unique brush and ink style. His works not only focus on realistic modeling but also incorporate expressive spirit, emphasizing the portrayal of light and air, and showcasing the harmony between humans and nature. Additionally, his habit of sketching and comprehensive cultivation are important factors in his artistic success. The article concludes that Du Zilin's artistic experience holds significant inspirational value for future generations.