The use of a vivid and elegant spectrum of colors is another hallmark of Liu's work, Hong says, adding that the artist's palette encapsulates both the poetic atmosphere of the Chinese ink tradition and exploration with a modern touch, a highly expressive tendency he learned from Lin, who was among the first Chinese artists to study in France in the early 20th century.

The "Four Noble Ones" — the plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum — which symbolize integrity and good morals, are recurring motifs in Chinese painting, especially those painted by intellectuals.

While he also revisited these themes, Hong says that Liu replaced the chrysanthemum, which was a rare sight in Sichuan at the time, with the more common lotus flower.

Liu also developed innovative ways of depicting these plants. For example, when he drew plum trees, he skipped the more conventional horizontal and upward-looking perspectives. He chose an overlooking angle so that the tree branches look like dragons and phoenixes galloping across the universe, their blossoms almost animated.