Unlike their ancient predecessors, who took delight in hailing naturalism and a pursuit of solitary living, gongbi painters today focus on a realistic approach to portray people's mentality.

This development was given full expression at the 11th National Exhibition of Chinese Hue Art, which wrapped up on Sunday at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing. Launched by the China Hue Art Association, the exhibition showed the evolution of gongbi art over the past five years and was also a celebration of the centennial of the Communist Party of China this year.

More than 400 paintings were on display, bringing together the works of well-established artists whose achievements in other styles of painting have breathed new life into the tradition of gongbi painting.

The show also served as a launch pad for up-and-coming artists, whose intensive exposure to global movements in art has inspired them to refresh the creation of ink art.