Boating along the Gorges

In traditional Chinese painting one does not often find the sky painted in red hues. Based on Zhang Daqian's experiences, he most likely adopted this idea from Shitao. Shitao's works mainly drew inspiration from nature, combined with thoughtful poetry that fit seamlessly into the atmosphere of the painting. The red sky at dusk was composed with a high distance perspective, such that the aspect is one that from a far distance and even ships are clear and visible from afar. Zhang used to comment that this perspective was inspired from taking an aeroplane, as such an application of perspective was uncommon in ancient works.