Leng Mei (about 1682-1760), surnamed Ziye, nicknamed Yushan, was a famous landscape painter in the Qing Dynasty, and his late nickname was “Yushan Old Man”. He was one of the important representatives of the Lingnan School of Painting in the Qing Dynasty. Leng Mei was born in Guangdong. He is good at landscape painting and integrates the style of the North and South School of Painting in his artistic creation, forming his own unique artistic characteristics. His works not only had a high reputation in the art world, but also influenced many later painters.
I. Leng Mei’s artistic background and personal style
Leng Mei’s painting style is deeply influenced by the natural scenery and cultural atmosphere of his hometown. The landscape in Lingnan is picturesque and beautiful. This geographical and cultural environment provides rich materials for Leng Mei’s creation. Leng Mei’s artistic cultivation is quite profound. He not only inherited the tradition of landscape painting in the Song Dynasty, but also absorbed the essence of the North and South School painting style in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. His landscape paintings are “simple, natural and distant”, emphasizing the vivid charm and the transmission of brush and ink.
In terms of creative techniques, Leng Mei especially promotes the unity of “srawing” and “artistic mood”. He often paints the natural scenery with simple, fresh and peaceful brushstrokes, and the composition is concise to convey the charm and artistic conception of the landscape, rather than the simple scene. Although the characters and scenery of Leng Mei’s paintings are not complicated, through simple brush and ink and layout, he can fully show the momentum of nature and the inner harmonious beauty.
II. Leng Mei and Lingnan School of Painting
The Lingnan School of Painting originated in the south of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and Leng Mei was one of the important representatives of the school. Unlike other painters of the same period, Leng Mei paid attention to combining the traditional literary painting style with the natural environment of Lingnan. His landscape paintings not only absorb the rigor and law of the Northern School, but also integrate the freedom and flexibility of the Southern School. Leng Mei’s works are often presented with a relaxed atmosphere and delicate brushstrokes, which makes his works of great artistic value.
As a representative of the Lingnan School of Painting, Leng Mei’s works are very local and present a strong cultural color of Lingnan. The landscape he painted often shows a profound and peaceful temperament, giving people a quiet and comfortable feeling. His paintings are closely related to the geographical environment, climate and humanistic background of Guangdong, showing the unique style of Lingnan.
III. Leng Mei’s artistic achievements and influence
Leng Mei’s landscape paintings were not only deeply loved by literati and painters at that time, but also had a profound impact on later generations. His creations not only improved the artistic level of painting in Lingnan, but also promoted the development of the Southern School of Painting. His works are highly artistic and academic, especially the expression of pen and ink and the creation of artistic mood, which has become a learning model for many future generations of painters.
In addition, Leng Mei’s works have a high market value. His paintings are regarded as treasures by the collectors, and many museums and private collectors own his works. As one of the leading figures of the Lingnan School of Painting, Leng Mei has also made important contributions to the inheritance of traditional Chinese landscape painting.
IV. Summary
Leng Mei’s artistic achievements and personal style made him occupy an important position in the painting world in the Qing Dynasty. His works combine the essence of traditional landscape painting with Lingnan culture, showing a unique artistic charm. With his delicate brush and ink, fresh style and profound artistic conception, Leng Mei has become one of the important representatives of the Lingnan School of Painting, influenced many painters in later generations, and left a strong impression on the history of traditional Chinese landscape painting.
