Ink painting has over 1000 years of history, and it is perhaps China's most representative native expression. In traditional ink painting, artists emphasize skill through portrayal of ordained schema, as in form of pine, bamboo, plum blossoms. Liu Qinghe is quite an exception to these traditions as he constantly seeks to broaden the vernacular of traditional painting so that it may enter into contemporary life. Traditional painting lacks the ability to describe urban settings, so the artist believes he must draw upon his own life experience to develop his art.