At YCIS Shanghai, art classes are a key component of the well-rounded Primary curriculum, and children study both Eastern and Western art. Recently, Mr Zhang Huaqing, a well-known Chinese painter, visited a Year 4 class at Hongqiao Campus, providing students with real look into the life of a professional artist.

Mr Zhang first showed the students a short biographical video about his working life as an artist. Originally from Shandong, China, he was born in 1932, the same year that YCIS was founded in Hong Kong. Having previously lived, worked, and studied in Russia, Zhang’s art is a unique integration of Eastern and Western influences.

Mr Zhang demonstrated his signature “scalpel painting” technique to the students, who were amazed as the artist sketched and painted a beautiful impressionist-style work of art by simply observing a vase filled with flowers. Students then had the opportunity to experiment with the special scalpel painting tools, while Mr Zhang walked around and offered helpful advice to the young artists who were diligently mimicking his technique. In a touching conclusion to his visit, Mr Zhang contributed the painting he created in class that day to YCIS as a reminder of his visit, and to keep inspiring children through art.

Throughout the school year, YCIS students also have the opportunity to regularly observe and learn from professional artists on campus, through the YCIS Artist-in-Residence (AIR) programme. To learn more about art offerings at YCIS Shanghai, including the AIR programme, click here.