Li Keran and his work Landscape in Red, Photograph, Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/1879250/mao-zedong-inspired-landscape-painting-sold-artist-li-keran-80

Li Keran on March 26th, 1907 in Xuzhou, China to a poor family. He showed artistic skill from a young age and in 1925 graduated from the Shanghai Art Academy. During school he studied under several famous western painters, notably Andre Claudot. This led to his unique take on traditional Chinese painting, adding in elements from western styles and using western techniques. In 1931 Keran married Su E, together they would have four children. Keran also taught art at several schools, both before and after the Second World War. During the war, Keran worked for the Nationalist government painting propaganda and party art. His work became less popular and was even criticized when the revolution happened, and Mao took power. After the revolution ended, he began to paint again, creating some of his most famous works. Li Keran died on December 5^th, 1989.

 

Bibliography:

Roberts, Claire. A Century of Li Keran: Commemorating the Centenary of a guohua Artist. China Heritage Project. http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/scholarship.php?searchterm=012_CenturyliKeran.inc&issue=012.

Andrews, Julia Frances.. The art of modern China. Berkeley : University of California Press, c2012.

Mao Zedong-inspired landscape painting, sold by artist Li Keran for 80 yuan four decades ago, fetches 184 million yuan at auction.  South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/1879250/mao-zedong-inspired-landscape-painting-sold-artist-li-keran-80