Mr Xu has inherited the painting tradition and made bold innovations to form his own unique style.

--Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao

August 9th, 2011, Beijing, Xu Linlu, a renowned painter, calligrapher, and connoisseur of paintings in China, has died at the age of 95. He is the last student of the great painter Qi Baishi.

When he was a child, Xu started to learn painting and calligraphy. In 1934, Xu became Qi Baishi’s student and accompanied Qi for 13 years. And he understood deeply and did what Qi Baishi said,” the one who learns from me will succeed, but the one who imitates me will fail”.He did deeply research on the works of great painters in every dynasty, and focused on their painting skills, such as Shi Tao, Zhu Da, the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou, Zhao Zhiqian and Wu Changshuo. After long time hard learning and practicing, Xu Linlu formed his unique painting style. Xu thought that Chinese artists should develop tradition with continuous innovating under inheriting tradition. He devoted energy and time to China’s traditional art for over 70 years, and created countless artworks. What is more, Xu as a connoisseur of paintings authenticated millions of ancient and modern paintings.