Celebrating Lantern Festival at Longshan Temple. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Celebrated as a best-selling writer, TV anchor, journalist, lecturer, educator and philanthropist, Liu Yung's multiple talents mean he is less mentioned as a professional artist.

However, an ongoing painting exhibition by the 66-year-old artist has allowed audiences on the Chinese mainland to get a closeup view of Liu's artistic attainments for the first time.

The solo exhibition of works by Liu, who was born in Taiwan and is now a US citizen, is being held at the Art Museum of Beijing Art Academy from May 14 to 26.

The exhibition, called Dreams of Natural Tranquility, displays nearly 60 of Liu's works. It is being held jointly by the Institute of Fine Arts under the Chinese National Academy of Arts and the Art Museum of Beijing Art Academy.

It is the first solo exhibition of Liu's paintings on the Chinese mainland, where he has been better known as a writer for many years.