Among the second generation masters of Lingnan painting, Mr Lai Ming, who is active in Hong Kong’s art scene, ranks along with those of the greats such as Guan Shanyue, Li Xiongcai, Chao Shaoang and Yang ShanshenHe came under the personal tutelage of Lingnan master Gao Jianfu as early as 1940.

　　Mastering the essential skills and adhering to the Lingnan spirit, Mr Lai excels in both drawings and abstract paintings with immense creativity. His vivid depictions of birds, flowers and landscape showcase an artistic use of bright colours and successful creation of feelings and moods. He is adept at depicting vultures, geese, ducks and monkeys, and particularly, peacocks, which display his exquisite drawing skills, elegant colour setting and unique composition. His landscape paintings are remarkable for his fluid yet bold brushstrokes, with careful space perspective to express the beauty of nature. His paintings of human figures skillfully blend modern and traditional styles that show a synthesis of contemporary Langnan spirit and traditional Chinese painting with inspiring ideas.

　　In addition to his achievements in art, Mr Lai is dedicated to boosting the Lingnan school of painting. Founding Hong Kong Springtide Art Society in 1996, he actively promotes Lingnan painting. Exhibitions of his works have been held in various countries and cities, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, the USA, Britain and Japan. With publication of dozens of monographs on painting, Mr Lai has been appointed as Artist-in-Residence by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and he has taught and delivered lectures at many education institutions. His whole-hearted enthusiasm and dedication to promoting Lingnan school of painting is highly regarded by the art scene.

　　Tang Hoi-chiu

　　Chief Curator of the Museum of Art