Late ink artist Qi Baishi (1864-1957) rose from humble beginnings as a painter and carpenter in rural Hunan province, to become a celebrated figure in Beijing's art circles. Having experienced firsthand the hardships that artists face, Qi was known for sharing this knowledge with younger artists who came to him for guidance.

This December, the Fine Art Research Exhibition of Qi Baishi and his Shandong Disciples will open at Shandong Art Museum in Jinan, showcasing a blend of artworks and digital installations. The exhibition will explore the influence that Qi's work had in Shandong through his mentorship of several renowned disciples from or connected to the province — Li Kuchan (1899-1983), Wang Xuetao (1903-82), Cui Zifan (1915-2011), and Xu Linlu (1916-2011), who are all artists of repute.

A photo of Qi Baishi on display in the Memorial Hall of his former residence, which saw the launch of the cultural and tourism program "Qi Baishi in Shandong". [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Works by Qi Baishi in the Memorial Hall of his former residence in Beijing's historic Nanluoguxiang alleyways. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A statue of Qi Baishi, created by Wu Weishan, in the courtyard of the Memorial Hall of Qi's former residence. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A comic of Qi Baishi in the courtyard of the Memorial Hall of his former residence. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wu Hongliang, director of Beijing Fine Art Academy, introduces the "Qi Baishi in Shandong" program. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Children perform folk rhymes from Shandong at the launch ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]