Calligraphy by Hu Wengao of two lines of a poem by Wang Wei. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"I paid great attention to what kind of brushes they used for certain purposes, and then practiced a lot on my own," Hu said.

Before long, he was able to paint figures and started painting portraits of the deceased in his hometown to make a living.

It was not an easy business, especially in the beginning, Hu said. Some people made excuses not to pay him, including claiming that his painting did not resemble its subject.

Gradually, Hu established a name as a portrait painter and became financially independent. He finally won the approval of his parents, who had been against his decision to become a painter.

As Hu became more popular in the town, he was sought out by many clients asking him to paint their portraits. He didn't charge some families who were too poor to afford the cost of portraits.

Wanting to make higher achievements in art, Hu began to teach himself other styles, such as landscapes and flower and bird paintings. He bought many art-related books and improved his techniques by imitating the works of masters featured in the books.