Survey of Watercolor Painting in the 20th Century

After China opened her doors to the world again, I seized the opportunity to organize the University of Minnesota Art and Craft Tour of China, in 1982. When we were in Hangzhou, I visited the China Academy of Fine Arts (Formerly the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts) to negotiate with the leaders of the Academy to establish the very first exchange program in the arts with the University of Minnesota. From 1984 through 1987 I led 25 students each year to China to study Chinese painting and calligraphy. During that time I was also invited by art academies and organizations to give lectures and painting demonstrations. Whenever I visited Nanjing, I always made a point to visit Prof. Li Jian Chen (1900-2002), founder of the Jiangsu Watercolor Research Institute and considered the “Father of Chinese watercolor painting,” I also visited other artists of the Institute. In 1987 the China Academy of Fine Arts and the Chinese Artists Association organized my solo exhibition that traveled to 9 major cities in China. When my exhibition was presented in Nanjing, I had more opportunity to exchange creative ideas with Prof. Li and the artists of the Institute. Many artists became good friends. I have kept in touch with some of them and enjoyed lasting friendships.