The Shepherds by Chen Danqing (Photos provided to China Daily)

The Tibetans series comprising seven oil paintings made by Chen Danqing in 1980 brought him nationwide recognition.

An exhibition now on at the Chinese Academy of Oil Painting until June 10 offers the public a peek into Chen's mind to see how he conceived, prepared and completed his works.

At the center of the exhibition, titled A Revisit to the Tibetans Series After Forty Years, is The Shepherds which shows a Tibetan couple about to kiss, against a background of extensive grassland.

The Shepherds is on show along with life-size reproductions of the rest of Tibetans paintings, as well as more than 200 sketches, drawings and preparatory watercolors Chen made while in Tibet, showing vivid details and his industrious studies of the colors and patterns of Tibetan costumes.

Pilgrimage by Chen Danqing

Entering Lhasa No 2 by Chen Danqing

Entering Lhasa No 1 by Chen Danqing

Kangba Men by Chen Danqing

Mothers and Children by Chen Danqing