Michael TongXin Li

Oil painting, pastel, sketching, and calligraphy artist; 

President of the East-West Art and Culture Exchange Association in US; 

Honorary President of the Haipai Celebrity Painting and Calligraphy Academy; 

Honorary Chairman of the American Asian Art Association; 

Honorary President of the North American Painting and Calligraphy Artists Association. 

Internationally renowned artist specializing in oil painting, pastel, sketching, and calligraphy, is the President of the East-West Art and Culture Exchange Association in the United States, Honorary President of the Haipai Celebrity Painting and Calligraphy Academy, the American Asian Art Association, and the North American Painting and Calligraphy Artists Association.

Born on January 9, 1943, in Shanghai, with ancestral roots in Zibo, Shandong, Li Tongxin was immersed in calligraphy and painting from an early age. He studied under Yan Wenliang and received guidance from Yao Baili, Shen Yinmo, and Liu Haisu. In the 1950s, he was hailed as a prodigy in calligraphy and painting. By the early 1960s, he was teaching painting at the Shanghai Youth Palace and was affectionately known as "Teacher Li." In 1962, Professor Meng Guang invited Li Tongxin to demonstrate and teach painting at the Shanghai Fine Arts Special School. Over the years, many of his students have become outstanding contemporary artists, including the renowned painter Mr. Chen, Yifei.

In the early 1980s, Li went to the United States to study at Jacksonville University, where he furthered his studies and gave demonstrations and lectures on sketching and color painting. Subsequently, he continued his studies at the New York Art Alliance, established in 1875, which boasts renowned alumni such as Norman Rockwell and Georgia O'Keeffe. There, he also conducted demonstrations and lectures on sketching and color painting. Over the years, he has benefited from the influence of masterworks in numerous museums, persistently integrating both calligraphy and painting in his artistic journey. His ability to blend Eastern and Western styles with ease has led to remarkable progress in his work.

Li, Tongxin has been engaged in professional painting in the United States for many years, holding solo and group exhibitions in many countries worldwide. In 2005, he was invited to hold a large-scale oil painting exhibition titled "Dreams of Homeland Waters, Love for the Global Village" at the United Nations Headquarters. Major American television stations WNBC and WCBS have interviewed him multiple times, and he has been acclaimed as a Master Painter by mainstream American society. His works have been highly praised by notable figures, including TV news anchor John Franklin, Spanish singer Julio Iglesias, world heavyweight boxing champion Bruce Seldon, former US senator and New York State Supreme Court Justice Alton Waldon, former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, and former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Li, Tongxin's pursuit of art is perfection. He consistently strives for the exchange and integration of Eastern and Western art and culture. His paintings are filled with emotion.

The Yangliuqing Painting Society in Tianjin has published several books on Li's art, including "Li, Tongxin’s Sketch Art," "Essential Readings of Classic Sketches –Appreciation of Li, Tongxin’s Works," "Features – Selected Sketches by Famous Painters," "Hands and Feet – Selected Sketches by Famous Painters," "China’s Contemporary Strength in Fine Oil Painting – Li, Tongxin," and "Essential Readings of Classic Sketches – Appreciation of Li, Tongxin’s Works."

Believing that art knows no boundaries, Li harbors a deep love for peace and the people of the global village. Through his heartfelt love, he has made outstanding contributions to world peace and progress, which is reflected in his art. He has received numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Artists and the Highest Art Honor Award. The World Artists Federation awarded him the highest special honor for being the most influential figure in calligraphy and painting. He has often attended meetings with national leaders, and his works are collected by many celebrities, families, and royal families.