“Summer in the Tianshan Mountains” crafted by Li Qun in 1980 upon his return to Taiyuan, is inspired by sketches executed in the forests of the Xinyuan Forest Farm in Ili, Xinjiang. Departing from a faithful representation of colours, the painting adopts a bold approach, drawing hues from the caisson patterns of the Dunhuang Grottoes. Ultramarine blue embellishes the shrubs, while refreshing greens adorn the sky, resulting in an extraordinary and captivating colour palette.
The artwork depicts towering pine trees, crystal-clear waterfalls, deer quenching their thirst nearby, and a distant tent corner. Within the lush scenery lie the endeavours of forestry workers. Despite the midsummer setting, the painting imparts a sensation of coolness and beauty to its observers.