Collective improvement

The exchange program was also acclaimed by the participants as a tour of cooperative learning and collective improvement.

Besides the experiences of collective sketching, the 10 artists also jointly created two landscape paintings during the program. One is based on their impressions of the blue seas of the Philippines, and the other is inspired by the green fields of Liling.

Filipino artist Jonahmar Salvosa says he has learned a lot from the distinctive styles of art of the two countries. Previously, all his knowledge of Chinese paintings had been largely theoretical. The trip gave him the opportunity to learn directly from the Chinese master painters, observing their techniques and collaborating with them in creating artworks.

Salvosa says he has discovered many "secrets" of brush painting from his Chinese friends during the time they spent together. He held that the essence of Chinese painting skills, which require a fine control of lines and refined execution of colors, are fundamental to all drawing styles. He believes this art experience will help enrich his future creations.

Another Filipino painter, Rico Lascano, says the paintings he had created during the tours showed the influence of the Chinese artists he befriended during the exchange program.

"By talking to the Chinese artists, I've learned more about the Oriental philosophy of perceiving life. I'm no expert in traditional Chinese painting, but I've learned to combine their philosophy with my contemporary painting techniques," he says.