Lin-Hua Wu typifies the finest in the Lingnan
School of Chinese painting that came to prominence in China in the early 1900s. It is a style
that combines traditional Chinese painting with elements of Western and
Japanese realist painting. Begun in Canton, it spread throughout China and
later Taiwan
Wu was born in 1937 and grew up in Yunting, in Fukien Province in the southern
part of China near Hong Kong. In 1947 he and his family escaped communist
domination by fleeing to Taiwan. At age 13 Wu first observed a group students
painting with water colors and oil paints in a distinctive Western style and
became fascinated. With the help of an art teacher, he quickly discovered that
he had talent. His fascination with painting grew
After graduating from school in 1960, Wu began to shift from Western-style
painting to traditional Chinese painting. By 1962 he had saved some money and
began a five year period of studying under Chao Sung-Chuan, a fine painter and
an excellent teacher. Chao taught Wu the art of painting flowers and birds. In
1964 Wu began a three year period of studying under Huan Chun-Pi, an artist
famous throughout Taiwan for his beautiful landscapes. In 1965 he expanded his
training by joining Au Ho-Nien, the best known artist of his day in the Lingnan
style. With Au Ho-Nien, Wu perfected his painting of landscapes, flowers,
birds, and fish.
Wu learned his craft well and in 1966 was selected to participate in the 8th
National Art Exhibition. This was the first of many exhibitions that showed his
work over the next 24 years.
Wu became a professional painter in1961 when he joined China
Pottery Arts and
began painting pottery and water color landscapes in the Lingnan style. He
worked there continuously until 1981 when he visited the US to learn American
sign language. He also put on an art show in Los Angeles where his work was
well received. He returned to Taiwan in 1982 and rejoined China Pottery Arts
where he continued to work until 1990 when he emigrated to the United States.
Since coming to the United States Wu has continued to expand his repertoire and
has put together a strong portfolio of original designs. He now lives near
Seattle, Washington with his wife of 46 years. With his own studio he now
concentrates on landscape and floral compositions.
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