Performers backstage are usual subjects in Yu Xiaofei's oil paintings.[Photo provided to China Daily]

One of his paintings, Laolao De Zuci (Grandmother's Ancestral Shrine), inspired by his stay in Wuyuan, won an award of excellence at a national oil painting competition organized by Chinese Artists Association in Shanghai in 2006.

During his visits, Yu came across Ganju Opera troupes in the county many times.

"People love the opera. They await the troupes like fans waiting for their idols to appear," Yu says.

"They bring stools from home, sitting and chatting in front of the stage long before the performance."

After years of observing this phenomenon, Yu started to paint backstage scenes in 2012.

Yu describes himself as a painter who is directly connected with his subjects, so he spent a large amount of time painting backstage.

Yu says that although painting in private studios allows deliberation, he prefers creating art on the spot.

"I believe that painting is closely tied with emotions," says Yu, adding that he often gains unexpected inspiration while painting at the scene.

He says he remembers an actor who didn't have a settled address.

"He had only the address of the troupe's headquarters when I wanted to send some photos to him," says Yu.

He also talks about a young performer he cannot forget. When they met for the second time, she recognized Yu but she was hiding from him. Yu wondered why until he discovered that she had pimples on her face. "She was allergic to the makeup that she has to put on every day."

Although Yu has spent years focusing on the traditional opera, he is still exploring.

He wants to paint bigger scenes such as the troupes moving and outdoor performances.

If you go

9 am-5 pm, through Thursday. 2 Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6520-2577.