Wang Yingying studies oil painting at CAFA and enjoys the "medium of art and its language". [Photo by Nigel Moffiet/chinadaily.com.cn]

Wang, who likes to "express a soft quality" in her paintings with feminist representations, feels there's always something new to learn in the heavily urbanized environment.

"It's informative living in a city like Beijing with stuff taking place around us everyday. It helps keep you inspired."

While for Liu, the hectic lifestyle of the city forms a crucial part of her work.

"There are a lot of things taking place in Beijing. It's overwhelming. Everyday people are going to work, getting on the subway, coming home. There are big pressures in daily life and so many pressures living in this city, so this is what I bring to my work," she explains.

Among the international students studying at the academy is 21-year-old Rue Hye Soo from Seoul, South Korea. Working alone in a large room surrounded by a maze of easels, Rue was adding delicate brush strokes to a painting for her Chinese line drawing course.

She says her teacher back home encouraged her to come to China as it would provide more opportunities.

"There are more chances to make it as an artist here so that's why I attended this school. My dream is to travel around the world taking pictures and painting."

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