The 2019 International Oil Painting Biennale opened on Sept 18 in Huancui district of Weihai, Shandong province, attracting artists, art lovers, entrepreneurs, and collectors from all over the world.

More than 150 works by nearly 50 artists from France, Italy, Russia, Britain, Canada, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Brazil, Germany, Spain, Ukraine, Colombia, and other countries are being exhibited.

Among the 20 artists from Russia, there are 12 people's artists and eight honored artists.

The honorary title "People's Artist of the Russian Federation" is given not earlier than five years after the honorary title "Honored Artist of Russia" to an important artist who has created extraordinary works in paintings, sculpture, graphic art, decorative arts, crafts, music, drama, film, or television, as well as has made an outstanding contribution to domestic art and culture, and who has received wide public recognition.

Jointly held by the Weihai publicity department, the Weihai municipal bureau of culture and tourism, and the Weihai Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the biennale is an important part of the 2019 Weihai International Art Fair and will last for 20 days.

An artist from France said that the event was a very good opportunity for cultural exchange between China and the West, as well as an opportunity to interact with eastern and western cultures.

A painter from Russia said that he has come to China many times, and he can experience the rich culture of China by himself. He noted that although the artists come from different countries and engage in different kinds of art, they share the same language of expressing beauty.

"The character of a city lies in its culture and art," said an official from local government, adding that Weihai will continue to hold international exhibitions and foster a solid foundation for oil painting academy and related industries to bolster the city's culture and arts sectors.

Visitors appreciate oil paintings created by artists from across the world in Huancui district of Weihai, Shandong province on Sept 18. [Photo/whnews.cn]

A foreign painter gives an interview to local media outlets. [Photo/sdchina.com]