On Feb. 22, the "Spring on Pingtan Island" 2025 Pingtan Spring Art Exhibition concluded, yet the vibrant depictions of Pingtan's landscapes and culture continue to draw attention. The exhibition featured 99 works, including traditional Chinese paintings, oil paintings, and watercolors, showcasing both the region's natural wonders—such as the Celestial Well and the Blue Tears phenomenon—and its cultural heritage, including stone houses and the life of fishermen.

To explore the inspiration and artistic passion behind these works, six participating artists were invited to share their creative journeys. As Gao An, secretary-general of the Pingtan Artists Association, noted, "These works are not just artistic creations; they are themed paintings that capture the unique beauty of Pingtan Island."

Gao Cuihong: Painting the Stories Behind Weathered Boats

Watercolor painting "Journey" by Gao Cuihong

Born in the 1980s, Gao Cuihong exhibited "Journey," a watercolor piece inspired by her childhood adventures along the Pingtan coast with her uncle. The old boats resting quietly on the shore, once braving the waves, seem to whisper their past stories. To her, the weathered hulls are more than remnants of time—they are witnesses of growth and change.

In depicting the wooden hulls, Gao employed an abstract approach, using golden hues to symbolize the passage of time. She infused the texture of the boats with green seaweed, swimming fish, soaring birds, and various human figures to illustrate the richness of their journeys. This fusion of abstraction and realism not only adds an innovative touch to her technique but also offers a deep exploration of her inner world.

For Gao, Pingtan's unique natural beauty and cultural heritage are an endless source of inspiration. Memories of chasing red crabs and collecting seashells as a child have found their way into her art, giving her paintings a strong connection to everyday life.

"Art is a powerful medium to share Pingtan's culture. By painting fishing boats and other iconic elements, we can showcase the dreams of the local people and attract more visitors to experience the charm of our island," she said. Looking ahead, she plans to create more works highlighting Pingtan's unique features, such as stone houses, coastal erosion landscapes, and the lives of fishermen.

For young artists aspiring to depict their hometown through art, Gao advises, "Find the subjects that truly move you, harness your strengths, and pour your heart into your work. Only then will your art have real vitality."

Weng Tengfei: Capturing the Essence of Island Life Through Fishing Gear

Watercolor painting "Dusk Fisherman's Song" by Weng Tengfei

Weng Tengfei, another artist from the 1980s, presented "Dusk Fisherman's Song," a watercolor painting that vividly captures the moments before fishermen set sail, repairing their nets and preparing for their journey. Growing up on the island, Weng is deeply familiar with this scene, and his artwork brims with nostalgia and admiration for his hometown.

The island's culture is imprinted in Weng's work. The dramatic coastal landforms, stone houses, and vast seascapes shape his artistic perspective, while the fishermen and their boats fuel his passion for storytelling through art. The interplay of these elements gives his work both a distinctive regional flavor and a profound reflection on nature and humanity.

"Through watercolors, oil paintings, and sketches, I hope to portray Pingtan's unique landscape and daily life as windows to the world," he said. "These works not only attract curious visitors but also help solidify Pingtan's reputation as an international tourist destination, spreading its name far and wide."

Looking ahead, Weng plans to delve deeper into the artistic potential of island elements, using watercolor and digital painting to capture the grandeur of coastal erosion landscapes, the rustic charm of stone houses, and the rich cultural tapestry of island life.

"To young artists eager to portray their hometown, my advice is this: nurture a passionate love for your land, observe its nature and people, and dare to innovate. Blend tradition with contemporary artistic language, and infuse your work with the spirit of the times. Most importantly, keep a positive and optimistic mindset—let each artwork be a ripple that spreads beauty and resonance in society," he shared.

Zhao Shuhe: Bridging Mountains and Seas with His Paintbrush

Traditional Chinese painting "Scenery of Maotouqian" by Zhao Shuhe

Standing beside his artwork "Scenery of Maotouqian," Zhao Shuhe appeared deeply connected to his subject. This painting, created on-site in the Maotouqian Village of Pingtan, captures the sea breeze's gentle whispers and the waves' rhythmic dance.

Coming from China's northwest, Zhao has always been captivated by the sea. Unlike the vast, rugged plateaus of his homeland, the boundless ocean held an irresistible allure for him. The moment he set foot in Maotoujian, he was enchanted by its beauty—the stone houses, weathered by time, stood like sculptures, while the endless sea, rolling in waves, seemed to hold infinite power and mystery.

Determined to immortalize this scenery, Zhao returned multiple times to paint outdoors, meticulously studying the light, colors, and textures. He dedicated himself to capturing the essence of Maotouqian's charm through intricate brushstrokes and skillful color blending. His artwork not only portrays the village's scenery but also represents his journey across landscapes in pursuit of artistic dreams.

"My work is a fusion of my northwestern roots and my fascination with the sea. It's my way of sharing the beauty of Maotouqian with the world," Zhao explained. Through his unique perspective, he bridges the cultural gap between inland and coastal regions, inviting more people to fall in love with this hidden paradise.

Lin Maoyu: Preserving the Past Through Art

Oil painting "Memories of the Old Street 20 Years Ago" by Lin Maoyu

Lin Maoyu, a member of the Pingtan Artists Association, showcased "Memories of the Old Street 20 Years Ago." The oil painting depicts a winding stone-paved road lined with aged buildings, faded shop signs hinting at the bustling past, and passersby in simple attire, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia.

"This painting is significant because it aligns with the exhibition's theme of historical and natural beauty," Lin explained. Having left Pingtan for artistic studies, Lin has spent years refining his craft, from working as an oil painting illustrator to pursuing formal training at college. Now, he integrates traditional culture with contemporary tourism aesthetics in large-scale mural projects, using vibrant colors to narrate Pingtan's history.

Gao Hui: The Poetry of Fishermen's Lives

Oil painting "Homecoming" by Gao Hui

In a quiet corner of the exhibition hall, Gao Hui's "Homecoming" drew in viewers. The oil painting portrays fishermen returning home at dusk, their boats brimming with fresh catches, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.

"I wanted to capture the harmony between fishermen and the ocean, a defining aspect of island life," Gao said. By carefully balancing realism and artistic expression, he conducted field studies at fishing ports, paying close attention to the details of boat structures, fishing nets, and even the salt-stained clothes of the fishermen.

Lin Lanlan: Painting a Vibrant World in Silence

Traditional Chinese painting "Harbor of Home" by Lin Lanlan

Lin Lanlan, a native Pingtan artist, has lived in a silent world since being diagnosed with profound hearing loss as a baby. But silence never dampened his artistic spirit.

Despite challenges in traditional schooling, his mother became his first teacher, and later, he pursued specialized art education. "Painting became my way of communicating with the world," Lin expressed through writing. His work "Harbor of Home" embodies his deep attachment to Pingtan, using traditional Chinese painting techniques to showcase the island's fishing villages.

Lin's persistence has earned him recognition, with his piece "Soaring to the Sky" winning an award at the "Millennia of Pujiang" national exhibition, further establishing Pingtan's cultural footprint.