Renowned for his expertise in oil painting, pastel, sketching, and calligraphy, Li Tongxin is the current President of the East-West Art and Culture Association in the United States, as well as the Honorary President of the Haipai Celebrity Painting and Calligraphy Academy, the American Asian Art Association, and the North American Painting and Calligraphy Artists Association.
Born in Shanghai with roots from Zibo, Shandong, he showed an early interest in art and studied painting under renowned teachers such as Yao Boling, Yan Wenliang, and Liu Haisu. He was known for his strict discipline and diligent practice, which helped him develop a strong foundation in sketching. In the 1950s, he was considered a child prodigy and began publishing his works at an early age.
In 1961 and 1962, he taught painting at the Shanghai Youth Palace, and was known as “Teacher Li”. In 1962, he was recommended by Professor Meng Guang of the Shanghai Fine Arts School to give a demonstration and teach painting at the School of Fine Arts. Many of those who studied under Mr. Li have become outstanding contemporary painters, including Mr. Chen Yifei. In 1981, Mr. Li went to the United States to study, took courses at Jackson College, and gave demonstrations on sketching and color. He later studied further at the New York Art Alliance.
Mr. Li has been engaged in professional painting work in the United States for many years, and has been influenced by numerous masterpieces in museums. He is skilled in oil painting and pastel painting. He has held solo and group exhibitions in many countries around the world. In 2005, he was invited to hold an oil painting exhibition titled “Dreams of Hometown Waters, Love for the Global Village” at the United Nations headquarters. He has been interviewed by major American television stations such as WNBC and WCBS and is recognized as a master painter by mainstream American society. The TV news anchor John Franklin, Spanish singer Julio Iglesias, world heavyweight boxing champion Bruce Seldon, former US senator and New York State Supreme Court Justice Alton Waldon, former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, and former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan are among the people portrayed in his paintings and have given Mr. Li high praise.
Mr. Li paints with care and emotion. His pursuit is perfection, and painting is his life. His works are loved by people from all walks of life and are collected by many celebrities, families, and royal families. The Yangliuqing Painting Society in Tianjin has published several books on Mr. Li’s art, including “Li Tongxin’s Sketch Art,” “Essential Readings of Classic Sketches – Appreciation of Li Tongxin’s Works,” “Features – Selected Sketches by Famous Painters,” “Hands and Feet – Selected Sketches by Famous Painters,” “China’s Contemporary Strength in Fine Oil Painting – Li Tongxin,” and “Essential Readings of Classic Sketches – Appreciation of Li Tongxin’s Works.”
