Diao Weizhi, a representative inheritor of Weifang hand-painted New Year pictures, offered schoolchildren a chance to try out the traditional handcraft for themselves on June 22 in Jinan, capital of Shandong province.

Weifang hand-painted New Year pictures are derived from Chinese traditional folk arts including woodcut New Year painting and paper-cutting. It takes inspiration from different themes and styles from different historical times through Chinese history.

At the beginning of the course, Diao introduced the historical development of New Year pictures and presented examples of artworks.

Many of the children showed interest in the paintings and tried the handicraft themselves, with Diao letting the children use their favorite colors to paint with.

Weifang hand-painted New Year picture typically features bright colors such as red, yellow, blue and purple to present lively effects. It blends romantic and realistic styles in art. 

"I hope that the course can provide students a bridge to get to know Chinese New Year pictures and have a better understanding of Chinese traditional culture,"said Diao.

A youngster focuses on her artistic creation at the Shandong intangible cultural heritage classroom on June 22 in Jinan, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Schoolchildren concentrate on painting New Year pictures at the Shandong intangible cultural heritage classroom on June 22 in Jinan, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]