"Sketching is a way for artists to test ideas early in the creative process," Xu Qingping says. "It helps identify areas that need work and often captures raw energy and movement better than more refined works."

The exhibition begins with a strikingly personal introduction: a long hallway displaying five of Xu Beihong's self-portraits, painted in 1922, 1924, 1925, 1926, and 1931.

The first section of the exhibition focuses on Xu Beihong's time studying in France, from 1919 to 1927. During these formative years, he immersed himself in the study of classical art and Western techniques. This section includes a range of works, from detailed studies of plaster casts to intricate anatomical drawings. These sketches demonstrate his rigorous academic training and his dedication to mastering the fundamentals of Western art. His careful analysis of the human form, as well as his ability to capture light and shadow, helped him develop a refined sense of technique and precision.

In the second part of the exhibition, Xu Beihong's ability to capture the natural world is highlighted. His keen observations of landscapes, animals, and human figures are presented in a series of dynamic sketches.