Old Chinese Paintings

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games has done more than stimulate interest in sport, they also have a renewed interest in China's rich cultural heritage. As in the 18th and 19th centuries, all things oriental are again become "fashionable".

This renewed interest must have been particularly evident in the many Western artists over the years immersed themselves in the paintings and sculptures of ancient Chinese masters, and in most cases are still trying to create some something that resembles their tranquility and beauty essential for themselves.

Every artist knows how important it is to study the techniques used by the best painters of the past, research to discover how they achieved their masterpieces. Let us hope that modern artists are equally conscious of the need to be aware of trends to date, new materials and advances.

To see exactly how art in China is growing and what is new here, I speak of the artist, Tom Zhang, who is the atmosphere and the landscapes are now difficult to find their way into private collections buyers demanding world.

Since its inception, this young man knew he wanted to paint, it was determined, despite all obstacles, to make his mark in this field. As a boy in his parents' farm in the province of Shandong his days were spent weeding between rows of vegetables. At night, he painted, winning at the age of 8 years a prize in a competition. Even then, his skill and imagination was ahead of his age. His entry, based on the traditional story of the Monkey King, has challenged all others and won.

At age 17 he moved to Beijing taking with him the princely sum of 700 yuan (equivalent to £ 50) offered by an uncle, and nothing else - other than high hopes for future. He said he did not seek wealth, a mere opportunity to develop as an artist.

Finally the management of funds to himself through the University in 2003 while working in restaurant kitchens, car parks and museums, its artistic future is undoubtedly assured. Two of his professors were well known Chinese artists: Wang Ming Wang Ming and Wen Fang. Tom told me how he is grateful to them for presenting a different approach to his work and give him the opportunity to incorporate new ideas. In addition to these teachers, he found his chance to experiment and develop his own unique perspective on traditional Chinese painting.

Now 28, he saw his painting. Recently he branched wall paintings / murals in bars and restaurants, the latest in the Happy Dragon Bar in Beijing

Tom's gallery and studio are located near Tiananmen Square in a traditional hutong neighborhood in The Independent Hostel Leo, who is now in the Lonely Planet Beijing. The gallery is conveniently located in a busy street with typical Chinese food vendors, a restaurant Peking Opera, small shops and restaurants.

Yet, despite his gallery occupied Tom travels frequently throughout China, exhibition installation and continuing to paint its spectacular landscapes on the spot or take photographs that are then translated into paintings back in his gallery. He painted many regions of China: Xian, Nanjing, Yunnan and Shangri-La which is near the border of Nepal and Tibet, and also the east coast of China.

Upon his return to Beijing, he enjoys chatting to people who visit his gallery and tourists staying in the hostel. He is happy to demonstrate his methods and his philosophy to explain them. At the rear of the gallery is a space where he serves tea to prospective customers.

Last year, a breakthrough in its development when he was invited to exhibit in Europe. First at the prestigious Gallery MedtemorphOZes Domaine du Prieured Valaire, then a solo exhibition at Tours. These two exhibitions have been exceptionally successful.