Magnolia

Zhao Shao'ang blended lyrical expression and forceful calligraphic brushwork of traditional painting with the technique of Western realism. As with most of his paintings, Magnolia shows strong attachment to nature and is a celebration of nature and its myriad manifestations.
With a predilection for spontaneous expression, Zhao's flowers are vividly rendered and contrasted with black leaves, supported by powerful strokes that capture the rigidity of the branches extending upwards, while the praying mantis adds a whimsical touch, begging viewers to spend time studying his symphony of colour and light. Zhao's careful planning of the interplay of positive and negative space is revealed in his lengthy inscription that seems to lengthen the branches and gives elegance to the overall composition.