Henry Hong-Ru Zhou A well-known artist/painter in the southwest of the United States, Mr. Hong-Ru Zhou has developed a unique style in both Chinese and Western painting. He was born in Beijing, China in 1951 and grew up in China. When he was nine years old, he began to learn painting from his grandfather Tien-Jia Zhou. He worked hard and dreamed to be an excellent painter.

Although he was sent to the countryside during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976),he did not give up his dream. He continued observing and enjoying nature, capturing and expressing its beauty in his art.

In 1972, he managed to return to Beijing, and became a student of three very well-known Chinese painters -- Wang Yuyi, who was honored as "Master of Masters" by Rongbao Zhai Gallery ; Wang Xuetao and Wei Jiangfan. Later he became a student of Xie Shinn, who is a student of world famous Master Painter, Qi Baishi. Thirteen years solidified his technique, sharpened his ability to capture the passing moments of life, and cultivated his a rtistic personality. He not only inherited the traditional Chinese painting style, but also created his own unique style in a relentless pursuant of artistic excellence. Therefore, although he is a very young artist, his works have been published in major newspapers in Beijing, and his paintings have been displayed among the rich collections of the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), China Historical Museum, Rongbao Zhai Gallery, Shanghai Duoyun Xuan Gallery and Shannxi Provincial Museum.

To see the world, to explore the unknown, to find a free environment, and to present Chinese art to American people, Hong-Ru Zhou came to the United States in 1985. His talent was quickly recognized by the Chinese-American community . His paintings have been exhibited and war mly welcomed in San Antonio, Houston and Los Angeles, and his works have been purchased and collected by an increasing number of people.

Currently he serves as dean of the Chinese Academy of Painting in Houston, director of the Houston Chinese Painting A ssociation and a member of the Houston Association of Fine Arts. He is also the director of the Painting Association in San Antonio.

Mr. Zhou has held many solo exhibitions in the U.S. In 1990, he presented three major exhibitions and received accolades from celebrities in the arts society, and from news and cultural groups. Former President Bush wrote to him to thank him for his painting of a marvelously dignified horse entitled "Invincible".

The horses in Mr. Zhou ' s paintings are described as [Iron- boned Steeds,] which symbolize the vitality and spirit of youth. His tiger paintings, particularly the 12 tigers on a single scroll in the exhibit, portray the fearless animals as unique and distinctive, noble characters, thus obtaining the title [Tiger of Noble Lords]. His dragon paintings are well-known as [Tenryu-powerful heavenly dragon] symbolizing the energetic characteristic and spirit of good luck.

Zhou's creative brush can paint various subjects, from people to animals, from mountains to rivers, from flower to insects ... His paintings reveal truthfulness to life.