Wang Bingxiu paints at her home. [Photo by Li Jinhai/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Wang Bingxiu, a 93-year-old painter in Shuanglang village of Dali Bai autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province, turns everyday village life into heartwarming stories with her paintbrush.
"I wake up at 6 am every day and start my day by sweeping the floor and watering the flowers," Wang said. "After breakfast, I dive into my painting."
The artist recently completed a piece for her grandson, who lives in Kunming. In the painting, two birds symbolize her wishes for a harmonious marriage between him and his wife. A white crane embodies good fortune, and pine cones stand for longevity.
Wang Bingxiu displays her paintings at her home. [Photo by Qin Menglin/For chinadaily.com.cn]
At the age of 78, Wang embarked on her painting journey under the guidance of Shen Jianhua, an artist who traveled and resided in Dali. Shen encouraged her and other female students to draw inspiration from their everyday lives and create their own compositions. The women took their teacher's advice, depicting farm animals being fed, children being cared for, dancing in celebration, and other scenes from their daily routines.
Among the students is 63-year-old Zhao Xinlian. She and her husband spent nearly a decade fishing on Erhai Lake, setting out each evening and returning by the next morning. These memories have become scenes that Zhao frequently paints.
For these elderly women, painting is more than just a passion; it's a crucial source of income. A single piece can fetch anywhere from thousands to tens of thousands of yuan, enabling them to live a better life.
Duan Suhang contributed to this story.
A painting by Wang Bingxiu. [Photo by Qin Menglin/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Zhao Xinlian paints at her home. [Photo by Qin Menglin/For chinadaily.com.cn]
A painting by Zhao Xinlian. [Photo by Qin Menglin/For chinadaily.com.cn]
A painting by Zhao Xinlian. [Photo by Li Jinhai/For chinadaily.com.cn]
