"The scenery in China's south, in the lower reaches of the Yangze River, is quite poetic and pictorial," Wu Weishan, director of National Art Museum of China, tells CGTN. "And Mr. Zhang Ding chose to paint the rivers, lakes, bridges and boats in cities with pure coke ink - which is more commonly used in rougher landscapes. Zhang Ding gave it a try and made a breakthrough."

An exhibition is being held at the National Art Museum in Beijing to remember late Chinese painter Zhang. This year marks his 100th birthday, and around 30 works that highlight Zhang's ink painting skills are on display, donated by Zhang himself to the National Art Museum.

The renowned Chinese painter has been described as "a combination of Picasso and traditional Chinese painting." 

Devoted to painting for more than 70 years, Zhang was famous for integrating Chinese folk painting and Western contemporary art, and was always trying different art forms.

At the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Zhang participated in the design of the national emblem. He also designed New China's first set of commemorative stamps.

Zhang once said in interviews that he admired tradition, but made every effort to fight against traditional ways of painting.

"Zhang Ding promoted going out into the vast nature to paint, instead of just learning the skills in a house. So his works of natural scenes are a combination of his observations of nature and his inner feelings. And I think Zhang's biggest contribution to art is his jiao mo paintings," adds Wu.

Jiao mo painting, or coke ink painting, has a long history in China. It's a kind of traditional Chinese ink painting mainly using a strong black ink. Zhang developed his own style in the genre -- using only coke ink, no water or any other materials.

Zhang's ink paintings will be on display through March 5 at the National Museum of Art in Beijing.