An exhibition of Chinese color paintings depicting Suzhou gardens opened on June 22 at Suzhou Garden Museum. The show displays 51 pieces from 11 artists in Jiangsu and Zhejiang province.

All of the artworks feature Suzhou gardens but differ in painting techniques. Some follow realism and portray the landscape of Suzhou gardens vividly; some present the hills and water in freehand and impressionist styles.

The exhibit includes a variety of Chinese color painters, water color painters, printmakers and pastel artists.

Suzhou gardens can be widely seen in traditional Chinese paintings from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). Chinese paintings and Chinese garden construction, interdependent in their development, both imitate the natural landscape, while at the same time, go beyond the beauty of nature.

As Chinese paintings develop with the times, classical gardens take on a new look in contemporary paintings. In recent years, artists from Jiangsu and Zhejiang province have created many outstanding artworks based on Suzhou gardens.

The art show continues until June 30.