Wang Huaiqing (b. 1944) Moonlight II oil on canvas executed in 1986 92 x 73 cm (36 1/4 x 28 3/4 in) signed Wang Huaiqing
LITERATURE Illustrated P.24 - 25, Wang Huai - Qing Exhibition, National Museum of History, Taipei, 2008 P.153, Special summer edition, Hi magazine, Beijing, 2008
Without purposefully depicting the moonlight, the artist captured an array of huts with their reflection falling on a serene lake in a misty night. The extensive use of black, white and grey colours shows simple but gradual intensity of the composition, while the sweeping and parallel brushstrokes outline the gradient of light. Special brushstrokes are applied to recreate the texture of white walls and black rooftops, and the clean brushstrokes depict a harmonious balance of the huts. The work reveals the tranquil state of mind of the artist, showing the gentle and gracious qualities of Chinese literati.