Lin Zihuan was also known by his courtesy name Juan’e and his literary names, Ripu and Youyousheng. He referred to his study as the “White Snow Nest” (baixuechao) or the “Chamber of Knowledge” (jixuexuan). Lin excelled in painting mountains and water, figures, flowers, birds, and beasts. He was taught by Fang Congyi and Zhang Mengxun. His use of brush and ink is unrestrained, forceful, elegant, and smooth. Lin also wrote proses and poems.