The sea of clouds in this painting doesn’t have clear contours; instead, ink has been used to smudge layer upon layer of clouds. This shows the voluptuousness and substance of the clouds as well as making them seem vast and bottomless. Have you ever seen a sight like this in the mountains? Or perhaps you have set foot on Yushan and seen its sea of clouds with your own eyes. How does it compare to the painting?

Take a look at the mountains and trees emerging from the clouds. The artist Sheng Yuan-fang used bold, practiced lines to portray them, unlike the ink shading of the clouds. This makes them look stern and orderly in a way that goes well with the activity of the mist and clouds, imbuing the work in its entirety with a certain liveliness and elegance.

Sheng Yuan-fang was born in Hangxian in Zhejiang Province. She studied with the experienced painters of Xiling in Hang zhou since she was little, when she laid down her foundation for landscape painting. After coming to Taiwan, she studied under the master of ink wash painting Huang Jun/bi, who was once praised by the painter Lin Yushan, saying: “His clouds and water are unparalleled. The clouds and water in his paintings appear indistinct, tranquil, unrestrained, and nimble, also possessing a strong elegance.” Sheng Yuan-fang used her femininity to produce this work with elegant yet majestic clouds and mist. In doing so, she showed the sternness and gentleness of nature, its liveliness and tranquility, and the beauty of its everlasting grandeur .