Visual Arts

In ancient times, people “obtained images from observing so the Eight Diagrams was created by observing”; afterwards people “got the intended meanings from observing images”. The former “image” can be explained as “images of the trigrams” whereas the latter “image” implies the meaning of “shape and profile” i.e. abstracting the intended meanings from observing the shape and profile of the things. The ancient artists always attached importance to intended meanings on their landscape paintings after internalizing and refining the landscape time and time again. And then the ancient artists drew the charm of landscape by using smooth lines combined with changes of Chinese ink painting, which presented audiences a feeling of visiting the landscape in person.
During 12 years’ stay in France, Li Donglu developed a unique painting method by combining western drawing method of describing details with Chinese traditional drawing way of “getting the intended meanings from observing images”. The differences between Chinese traditional drawing way of expressing images and realism of western drawing method are not obstacles in Li Donglu’s paintings on which present the “images” from observing as well as “intentions” of his understandings.
People may think that the scenes painted by Li Donglu are in sight but we will find that the scenes presented on his paintings never happened in life if we carefully observe his paintings. The dark atmosphere on his paintings reminds us that the scenes are nothing but a dreamland. The painting method of describing details endows an unrealistic sense of future. Fantastic implications are conveyed by knocking all the things together in abnormal ways. On his paintings, Li Donglu uses an intuitive method to express his commemoration to the past and the anxiety after observing-the dry land, a piece of broken melting ice, the spread of fire, the smoke filled on a half of the painting…
Li Donglu always presents Chinese and western traditional landscape by using modern drawing method with sharp observation and exquisite drawing. He invites audiences to integrate into the “images” that he created.