Over the years, I have visited China many times on business. However, in 2001, my wife and I took a vacation there, visiting the main sites in Beijing, Xian, Guilin and Hong Kong.

In Guilin (Guangxi), we took a cruise down the Li River. The river winds through some truly spectacular limestone formations that rise on both sides of the river. The river is also famous for its cormorant fishermen, who work from flimsy bamboo rafts like the one shown in this painting.  These days, I suspect that many of them are just there to pose for the numerous tourists.

I have captured the river at sunset when the haze gave a brilliant orange tint to the sky and turned the more distant mountains mauve.

We will never forget the date of our cruise – September 11, 2001. When we returned to our hotel that night, we watched CNN news in horror as the twin towers in New York were first hit and then collapsed.  This painting is dedicated to the memory of all those who died or have suffered as a result of the horrific events of that day.

The Cormorant Fisherman, Li River, Guilin, China

by Richard Harpum MA

Size of original: 16" x 20" (41cm x 51cm)

Acrylic on Canvas

Painting Reference Number: 188

Original Sold

Prices of Limited Edition Prints (numbered, signed, unframed):

• Studio Proof** canvas print (full size); Edition size 25: £220; US365; €275 + shipping
• Giclée print*** on 300 gsm paper (full size): Edition size 50: £110; US$182; €138 + shipping

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* Prices in US Dollars and Euros are those used by the artist but may vary depending upon the prevailing exchange rates and the method of payment.

** A Studio Proof canvas print is a giclée print on canvas that is hand-embellished by the artist using the same medium as the original painting (usually acrylic), signed, numbered and then coated in 3 layers of UV-resistant varnish. It is then mounted on stretchers ready for framing.

*** Giclée printing is an advanced form of ink jet printing that applies a wide range of coloured inks that are designed to be light-fast for at least 75 years.