At this moment, Chen Yang, the oil painting instructor in Song Ziqing's class, also smiled and helped the students and Professor Jones explain the historical significance of seals in China: "In China, seals are not only a tool, but also an art form and a cultural heritage."
Each seal is unique, embodying the artist's personality and emotions. Furthermore, professional anti-counterfeiting features can be added to the seals to ensure the authenticity and uniqueness of the artwork.
Chen Yang's words were filled with pride in Chinese culture and care for his students, revealing his passion for art and his emphasis on its preservation.
He was Song Ziqing's first teacher in oil painting, and he continued to teach her after she went to university.
The more he taught, the more he felt that he lacked talent and couldn't teach Song Ziqing much. It wasn't until Professor Jones came that he realized that geniuses exist in every field.
Jones listened intently, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and admiration for Chinese culture.
He could almost imagine the joy of owning a unique seal and the sense of accomplishment he would feel using it in his work.
Jones had a considerable reputation in the oil painting world when he was young, and his oil paintings were collected by the British Museum when he was in his thirties.
Sure enough, Jones discovered Song Ziqing's talent within just a few days of arriving, and found her to be a perfect match.
Sure enough, when Chen Yang opened Song Ziqing's canvas, he immediately noticed that her work had already been recognized as a masterpiece.
"Song, after seeing this painting of yours, I feel like I can declare you a college graduate! You are truly gifted in art, and I am absolutely envious."
Song Ziqing, who is only in her early twenties, already has a unique style in her oil paintings, which Chen Yang admires greatly.
It should be noted that Chen Yang only began to pursue certain personal goals in oil painting when he was in his thirties, but his works did not yet reach the level of Song Ziqing's painting.
“That’s right, Chen, your paintings really don’t have the same artistic conception as Song’s oil paintings. Most importantly, Song is not only highly talented in oil painting, but I’ve also seen her traditional Chinese paintings. Those works are only slightly inferior to those of Zhang Daqian and others, but if given another ten years or so, she will definitely be able to reach the level of those painters!”
Jones felt that Song Ziqing was a real gem. He had always thought he was too young to take on apprentices, but after seeing her talent, he felt the urge to take her on as an apprentice.
"Really? That's wonderful!" Song Ziqing smiled shyly, but deep down she didn't believe that her future achievements could compare to Mr. Daqian's.
Chen Yang and Jones exchanged a smile; they both understood each other's thoughts.
"Song, would you like to become my student?" Jones finally couldn't help but ask.
Song Ziqing looked up in surprise at Jones, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.
She was well aware of the renowned oil painting master's standing in the industry, and becoming his student was a dream opportunity for every student with artistic aspirations.
“I’m willing!” Song Ziqing blurted out without the slightest hesitation. “It has always been my wish to receive your guidance.”
And so, Song Ziqing was able to become Jones's student, embarking on a more in-depth journey of artistic learning.
Under Jones's careful guidance, her oil painting skills improved day by day, and at the same time, she gradually explored her own unique style in the creative process.
This bond between teacher and student has become one of the most cherished treasures in her life.
As night fell and the city lights came on, the Song family invited Jones and Chen Yang to their hillside villa for a small dinner party.
That evening, all the chefs in the Song family kitchen showcased their best skills, meticulously preparing a table full of delicious dishes.
There's the delicious and mellow pickled bamboo shoots with pork, the fragrant braised sea cucumber with scallions, the spicy and tempting Mapo tofu, the yellow-skinned and white-fleshed poached chicken, and the sumptuous Li Hongzhang's mixed stew...
Every dish carries the taste and warmth of home. Everyone sits around the table, chatting and laughing, enjoying themselves immensely.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Jones stood up, holding his glass, and said in slightly broken Chinese, "Thank you for your warm hospitality. I'm very happy today." He then downed his drink in one gulp.
Mr. Song said with a smile, "Professor Jones, you are too kind. Ziqing will need your continued guidance in the future."
Jones waved his hand repeatedly: "Ziqing is a very talented child, and I believe she will definitely achieve something in the future."
At this moment, Song Ziqing stood up, walked to Jones's side, and bowed deeply: "Teacher, thank you for your guidance. I will work hard."
Jones patted Song Ziqing on the shoulder, a relieved smile on his face.
Everyone applauded, and the atmosphere became even more enthusiastic.
On this beautiful evening, everyone sat around the table, sharing delicious food and freely exchanging feelings. Amidst laughter and joy, time slipped away quietly, and they spent an unforgettable and wonderful time together.
After finishing his meal, Song Ziqing excitedly rummaged through the storeroom at home and found a small box of various colored seal stones.
Only four pieces of Changhua stone remain. They are like precious gemstones: a bright red robe stone as vivid as blood, a crystal clear glass-like jewel, a warm and smooth Tianhuang jewel, and a vibrant green Changhua stone. Each piece exudes a unique charm that catches the eye.
Shoushan stones are even more diverse, including Tianhuang frozen stone, which has a warm and lustrous color, like solidified gold; Peach Blossom frozen stone, which is as pink as a peach blossom, like a flower blooming in spring; Hibiscus frozen stone, which is as white as snow; Lychee frozen stone, which is as delicate as silk; Ox Horn frozen stone, which has distinct lines; Fish Brain frozen stone, which is round and smooth; Sky Blue frozen stone, which is fresh and elegant; and Big Red Robe Chicken Blood frozen stone, which is bright and eye-catching.
These seal stones come in various shapes, some round and cute, others with sharp edges; they are colorful and unique in texture, each seemingly having its own story.
Song Ziqing stared intently at the dazzling array of seal stones, a wave of emotion washing over him.
These stones are not only treasures of nature, but also witnesses to the passage of time, bearing the imprint of history and the sedimentation of emotions.
Jones was equally excited as he looked at the large number of seal stones before him.
He eagerly examined each seal stone, and each time he picked one up, Song Ziqing would explain in detail its name, texture, color, and shape.
Jones listened with rapt attention, deeply marveling at the exquisite beauty of these seal stones.
"My God, Song, so many amazing seal stones! I have such an urge to possess them all!"
Jones was captivated by each of the seal stones, and he was well aware of their immense value; his claim of taking them all was merely a joke.
However, Song Ziqing smiled and said to him, "Teacher, if you truly like it, this box of seal stones is my gift to you as a formal apprenticeship present!"
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