Stamp design: To pay tribute to late, great Taiwanese artists who dedicated their lives to the enlightened development of modern Taiwanese fine arts and in so doing made great contributions to promoting Taiwanese culture, the Directorate General of Posts is issuing a series of stamps featuring modern Taiwanese paintings to introduce the achievements of these artists to the public. Taking a cue from the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, the first set features the museum collections of late Taiwanese painters Chen Cheng-po, Li Mei-shu, Liao Chi-chun, and Kuo Po-chuan. The following is a brief introduction to the designs of the stamps : (1) "Streets Scene on a Summer Day" by Chen Cheng-po Chen Cheng-po (1895-1947) was born in Chiayi. After graduating from the Teacher Training Department of Taipei Japanese School, he went to study at the Tokyo Fine Arts School in Japan. Later, he went to teach at Shanghai Xinhua Art School, etc. After returning to Taiwan, he formed the Tai Yang Fine Arts Association with a group of Taiwanese artists and devoted himself to the development of fine arts in Taiwan. In "Streets Scene on a Summer Day," the straight power line pole stands erect in the middle of the painting and breaks the regularity of the space formed by the three dome-shaped trees. The composition of the painting is very intriguing. The expanse of yellow earth conveys a sense of dry heat, while the three green and lush trees convey a feeling of coolness. The strokes and colors he used were very unique. Oil on canvas, 79 cm X 98 cm. (2) "Girl in the White Dress" by Li Mei-shuLi Mei-shu (1902-1983) was born in Sanhsia, Taipei County. He received his education at the Teacher Training Department of Taipei Japanese School. He was one of the few senior Taiwanese painters active both in politics and the arts. He spent his lifetime restoring the Tsu-shi Temple in Sanhsia. "Girl in the White Dress" was painted in the western classical style, with a delicate touch and elegant and soft colors. The composition directs people's vision downward. The portrait shows two-thirds of the girl's body (the image is cut off below the legs), which creates a lofty feeling. This is one of the special characteristics of his portraits. Oil on canvas, 116.5 cm X 91 cm. (3) "Courtyard with Banana Trees" by Liao Chi-chun:Liao Chi-chun (1902-1976) was born in Fengyuan. After graduating from the Teacher Training Department of Taipei Japanese School, he went to study at the Tokyo Fine Arts School. After graduation, he returned to Taiwan and held teaching posts at various schools. He founded the May Association of Art. "Courtyard with Banana Trees" is a painting of his own front yard, revealing the simple, serene and relaxed atmosphere of southern Taiwan. Under the seething sun, the dappled light and shadows under the plantain make for even stronger atmosphere. In this paintings, shades of red and green echo each other, giving the theme more substance and visual interest. Oil on canvas, 129.2 cm X 95.8 cm.(4) "Sunrise" by Kuo Po-chuan :Kuo Po-chuan(1901-1974) was born in Tainan. After graduating from the Teacher Training Department of Taipei Japanese School, he went to study at the Tokyo Fine Arts School. Later, he went to teach at Beijing Normal University, Beijing Art College and the Jinghua Art School. After return-ing to Taiwan, he taught at the architecture department of Cheng Kung University and founded the Tainan Research Society of Fine Arts. "Sunrise" was painted looking into the sun with the rays of morning sunlight shining through clouds that partially envelop ridge after ridge of lofty mountains. The painter used oil on rice paper, which has an absorbent quality, to create the misty atmosphere. He also employed calligraphy strokes to depict the ridge lines, which gives the painting an impressionistic feel. Oil on rice paper, 24 cm X 33 cm.