Li Caijiao, member of Chinese Artists Association, shows traditional Chinese painting to Liu Suying on Aug 5. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Li Caijiao, a well-established painter in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, welcomed an American visitor interested in traditional Chinese painting on Aug 5.

Elyse Ribbons, known in China by her Chinese name Liu Suying, is an American entrepreneur who has spent over 16 years living and working in China.

Fluent in Mandarin, Liu has a keen interest in traditional Chinese culture and fell in love with the artistic connotation in Li's paintings at the very first sight of it.

"I'm fascinated by such an artistic style as it feels like that I can understand what an artist tries to convey through her works," said Liu. 

As the first foreign student of the painting master, Liu began by grinding inks, which helped her to clear her mind and stay calm while she painted.

"Only with a clear mind can one compose pictures from their inner hearts and create paintings in a free manner," said Li, who guided the American apprentice on the structures of traditional Chinese paintings.

Featuring flowers, vegetables and birds, Li's artworks blend together elements of traditional and modern art.

Li Caijiao, a member of the Chinese Artists Association, and Liu Suying present their artistic work depicting lotus flowers on Aug 5. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]