Lü Zhenyi Pingdu painter

In 1987, Lyu Zhenyi studied painting at the Qingdao Art School, and at the age of 20, he traveled alone to Beijing to pursue his dreams. As a novice, Lyu Zhenyi felt his talents were insufficient, so he packed his bags and began traveling extensively to sketch from life. To support his family, he worked odd jobs while continuing to create art; the meager income he earned was partly used for household expenses and the rest entirely devoted to landscape painting. His wife did not understand him, quarreled with him, blamed him for neglecting everything for painting, and eventually divorced him, leaving their daughter in his care. Yet even under these circumstances, Lyu Zhenyi never abandoned his artistic dream—he continued working odd jobs, creating art, and raising his daughter. Although his living expenses were reduced to barely sustaining basic needs, he held firmly to one belief: “I can lose anything, but I cannot lose art!”

Hard work never goes unrewarded. In 1998, during an exhibition held in Weifang, Lyu Zhenyi’s landscape paintings attracted attention, and someone offered 2,800 yuan to purchase one of his works. After years of dedication, his efforts finally bore fruit; he was overwhelmed with emotion and felt that his true artistic career had finally begun. It was from that moment that the China Lyu Family Academy of Calligraphy and Painting was officially established in Beijing. Thereafter, he turned his focus toward his hometown and established his second art studio in Chengyang. Now, he has returned to his native Pingdu to paint for the people of his hometown.

His artistic success brought him widespread recognition, and several renowned painters established connections with him, including Cui Zifan, who frequently engaged in artistic exchanges with him. However, Lyu Zhenyi believes that art has no limits; he has never ceased pursuing his creative endeavors, diligently working and constantly exploring. He considers public recognition of his works his greatest lifelong aspiration. Recently, the China Association for the Study of Famous Figures in Chinese and Foreign Culture compiled the authoritative work “30 Years, 30 Masters”—a history of modern Chinese calligraphy and painting, highlighting 30 of the most influential artists since China’s reform and opening-up. Lyu Zhenyi was among those invited, yet he politely declined. He said, “Although my paintings have reached a certain level, I still fall short compared to many masters. I would rather leave this opportunity to those who have achieved more than I have.”

When asked about his future plans, he said: “My current goal is to realize my dream of holding solo exhibitions in major cities across China. Once my financial situation improves, I will dedicate my talents to society and contribute to public welfare causes.”