In the Art China-2024 Qingdao International Watercolor Art Season, which was recently inaugurated in Qingdao, artists from home and abroad paid a thorough visit to Qingdao to draw inspirations and paint from nature, adding glamour to the picturesque Qingdao.

“This is the sixth time I come to Qingdao. I am impressed every time.” Eugene Chisnicean, a watercolor artist from Moldova said that Qingdao seemed to be his hometown in China. “Qingdao has fine scenery. People here are very nice. Food is also delicious.” He spoke bluntly of Qingdao providing exceptionally abundant materials for painters. “Sea ports, churches, and old and new buildings all appeal to artists.”

Launched in 2014, the Qingdao International Watercolor Masterpieces Exhibition is held once a year, with a different theme for each session. 200 artists from nearly 30 countries and regions have come to Qingdao to participate in the event over the decade.

With the theme “Only Greenness”, the “Guanlan” international watercolor competition was launched in the art season. Internationally renowned artist teams and prize-winning creators were invited to visit Laoshan Mountain to paint from nature and life, and attend training on watercolor. Meanwhile, international brands of painting materials signed agreements to make inroads into Qingdao, and the artistic Liyuan buildings-themed beer watercolor cultural creation campaign was launched.

Blue seas and azure skies, beaches and sailing boats as well as a number of Europe-style classic historical buildings in Qingdao appeal to Chinese and foreign students learning fine arts to sketch from nature and life. According to industry insiders, Qingdao is able to receive annually 100,000 to 200,000 people for painting from nature. Painting brushes that appear on either streets and alleys or beaches forge close links between art, fashion and urban features.  

(Cui Yan)