Celebrated Chinese Artist Offers Weekend Course at Port Eliot House

Over the weekend of 25-26th September, Port Eliot will take on a distinctly Chinese theme. Following on from his successful taster classes at Port Eliot House in June, renowned artist Xiao Bai Li will be running a two-day course in Chinese brush painting. The course will give people a chance to find out more about the techniques involved and develop their skills under Xiao’s expert guidance throughout the weekend.


Xiao Bai Li was born and grew up in Nanjing, The People’s Republic of China, where his schooling crossed a ten year period during the Cultural Revolution. He moved to England in 1993 and now lives and works in Plymouth. His eloquent work in both portraiture and the art of Chinese Brush Painting focuses on the subject of people. His creative process includes meeting and closely observing people in their familiar environments - conveying a picture of real life in whatever place he is working in at the time.

Xiao says, “Art can transcend many barriers and I feel that by painting people I am able to portray these lives and create a deeper understanding, whilst giving people a chance to show their situation in society and share how they feel connected to it.”


Art-lovers could hardly want more idyllic surroundings to inspire them. The contents of the House include art works by Reynolds Romney, Ramsey, Van Dyck and many of the Dutch Old Masters. Port Eliot also features the work of Robert Lenkiewicz, whose famous dragon mural covers the wall of the magnificent Round Room, designed by Sir John Soane.

Port Eliot House dates back as far as the 5th century and was substantially altered by Sir John Soane at the turn of the 19th century. The idyllic grounds were originally landscaped in the 1790s by Humphry Repton. The Grade I park and more than 100 acres of land include a vast rhododendron garden, a maze, a bowling green, Orangery, arboretum and magnificent views of the estuary culminating in an elegant Brunel viaduct.

One of the participants from the taster sessions earlier in the year said, “The whole day was very relaxing. It was wonderful to watch Xiao Bai Li at work, and have the opportunity to try out the techniques ourselves to create a piece of work we could take home at the end of the day.”

The course takes place from 10am-5pm on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th September, with an hour each day for lunch. No previous experience in Chinese brush painting is necessary. Early booking is advisable, as the course is limited to 15 people. Participants will also have the option to have a two-course lunch with a glass of wine in the Georgian Kitchen, or if they prefer, they can bring a picnic, stroll the grounds and enjoy the stunning views across the Estate. The cost of the weekend is £130 (including lunch) or £100 (excluding lunch).

To find out more about the course, or to book a place, please telephone 01503 230211.