As noted in the previous entry above, “Luo’s paintings are distinguished by fastidiousness and meticulousness, often rooted in the spirit and style of the iconic literati master of the Ming period, Wen Zhengming (1470-1559).” Luo shares with the Ming master a particular affection for trees, whose noble forms are quite often enshrined in the paintings of these artists. The present image springs from the two sources that have been the undeniable springboards for traditional Chinese painters over many centuries: art as a source, the style of an ancient master, in this case Wen Zhengming, and nature, in this case a pine at the Qing imperial tombs. Luo, also in perfect literati fashion, transforms his ancient model into a image that is more purely patterned and abstract while yet embodying the spirit of his predecessor.