People appreciate Jiang Shengxi's dragon paintings at a recent exhibition held at Hunan University. [Photo by Zhao Yudi/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Jiang Shengxi, a security guard at Hunan University, recently opened a personal painting exhibition at the university, showcasing more than 60 paintings of dragons by himself.

The 51-year-old was born in a small village in Huaihua, Hunan province, and has shown strong interest in drawing since childhood.

His fascination with drawing dragons comes from the dragon patterns at temples and books.

People appreciate Jiang Shengxi's dragon paintings at a recent exhibition held at Hunan University. [Photo by Zhao Yudi/for chinadaily.com.cn]

"I have liked painting since childhood. There are lots of dragons on the temple walls. They are very spirited, good-looking and can fend off evil things," he said.

He did not finish middle school before he started farming at home. Later, he went to other cities as a migrant worker and found jobs as a coal miner, construction worker and kitchen helper.

However, life's pressures did not erase his passion for painting and he has never stopped pursuing his dream.

People appreciate Jiang Shengxi's dragon paintings at a recent exhibition held at Hunan University. [Photo by Zhao Yudi/for chinadaily.com.cn]

He became a security guard at Hunan University in 2005. Since 2008, he has started to paint dragons during his spare time, sometimes for hours non-stop.

The school and students considered his paintings creative and unique and encouraged him, he said.

In 2009, Chen Feihu, a professor at the School of Architecture and Planning of Hunan University, saw Jiang's paintings and was amazed by them.

Moved by his determination to chase dreams, Chen offered help.

"He takes me out for meals and we talk about our thoughts about the paintings," Jiang said. He likes showing the professor his paintings and asking for his opinions.

People appreciate Jiang Shengxi's dragon paintings at a recent exhibition held at Hunan University. [Photo by Zhao Yudi/for chinadaily.com.cn]

He also goes to Chen's classes and shares with his new inspirations.

Under the guidance of Chen, his painting skills have improved a lot.

Each painting shows a different structure, color, posture and combination, Chen said.

People should see talent beyond established institutions, scholars and artists. There are artists who are worth discovering with tenacious spirits, wit and simple emotion.

People appreciate Jiang Shengxi's dragon paintings at a recent exhibition held at Hunan University. [Photo by Zhao Yudi/for chinadaily.com.cn]

In 2016, China Culture Art Publishing House published Jiang's first art collection. The same year, his first personal art exhibition was held at the university's library.

"Each time I finish a major project, the feeling of achievement is incomparable. But I can also see clearly the flaws and areas for improvement," he said.

He is always grateful for the encouragement from students and teachers at the school, especially the support of Chen.

Source: Chinadaily