An artist's take on life

Xue Yongnian, a critic of classical Chinese art, says Fang abandons the conventional approach taken by ancient painters who produced close-up depictions of flowers and birds on thin tree branches, rather he constantly paints the thick tree trunks, sometimes magnifying the details, to accentuate the strength and imposing manner of the lives of his subjects.

Another feature of Fang's work, according to Shang Hui, another art critic and author, is that he has greatly extended the subjects and motifs of the flower-and-bird genre. "He paints a number of flowers and green plants unique to the southern region. His depictions of the rich, bright colors of these tropical species have enriched the presentation and aesthetic values of the flower-and-bird genre."