Auspicious Snow at Chinese New Year. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Shao Dazhen, a renowned art critic, appreciates Liu's work highly. "He has been able to create high-quality works in different themes and styles. That's really difficult for artists," Shao said.

Liu said his artistic achievements and style are the result of three different inspirational sources: nature, culture and his personal life experiences.

Some of Liu's works depict lively social scenes and show the customs of a specific period. The paintings often contain vivid details and each part of a painting can tell stories.

Such works, though basically realistic, create a lyrical and nostalgic atmosphere as well as arouse feelings of homesickness.

"These kind of works by Liu Yung not only show the social aspects of a certain period, but his personal life memories. As the artist looks at society and life from the individual perspective, he injects much personal emotion into the works," said art critic Jia Fangzhou.

Historically themed paintings form another important aspect of Liu's art. A nostalgic and inquisitive spirit is a typical feature of Liu's works, said art critic Lang Shaojun.