Chinese painter Lin Dihuan has a zest for life

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China's 24 Solar Terms were added to UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list in 2016. Through his pictures depicting the terms, the wildly popular Chinese painter Lin Dihuan played a major role in the application's success. He is now preparing for a cartoon exhibition at next month's G20 Summit in Japan.

Lin's picture depicting a panda running after bamboo is set to be China's theme picture at a cartoon exhibition for the G20 Summit and represents the fast development of the country's animation industry.

Lin earned his fame creating a series of ink and brush paintings based on China's "24 Solar Terms."

The terms are derived from the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, where each one has its own characteristics.

"When I was drawing the 24 solar terms, I thought more about Chinese philosophy. I tended to involve them in it. And, at the same time, I hope it's down to earth and fun. My creations in this series are in a fresh style,” Lin Dihuan said.

Lin came to prominence in China through the television show "Rendezvous with Chinese Poetry."

One of Lin's solar term paintings. /CGTN Photo

He received acclaim for the way he translated poetry into art.

"I'm working on Chinese painting, but I added some other elements, such as a technique of western Impressionism, as well as light and shadow effects. I like taking photos, so I am sensitive about light and shadow. I'd like to put complicated elements of different styles into my paintings, some real wonderful techniques,” Lin said.

From an early age, Lin was fond of painting and calligraphy. However, he instead opted for a career in medicine.

After graduation, he taught at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province.

He said he still draws inspiration from his time learning medicine.

One of Lin's solar term paintings. /CGTN Photo‍

"Five years as a medical student helped me a lot in my artistic creation. I comprehend writing techniques from surgical incision techniques. The accuracy, the force, it is essential to master it and use it wisely. More broadly, medicine is a science of rational analysis and logical thinking. It also helps artistic creation,” Lin said.

Ever since Lin was introduced to the concept of cyberspace, he has been an avid fan.

He has uploaded his paintings and photos to the Internet, and now has more than 1 million followers on social media.

He's also quite active in society, always willing to help those who need it the most, such as so-called left-behind elderly and children.

Lin is now reading the Chinese herbology volume "Compendium of Materia Medica" – considered the most influential text among the Traditional Chinese Medicine community.

He said he wants to tease out its contents in a modern and scientific way.

Meanwhile, as somebody who always has a zest for life, he said his success is based on doing the things he likes.