The three typical figures of traditional Chinese opera at the top of the canvas establish a stable framework, offering more possibilities of creation within the composition. The subtle fourth figure at the bottom perfectly fills the latent void, not only enhancing the integrity of the piece but also enriching the interconnections among the primary figures. To counterbalance the rigidity imposed by this stable structure, BEI employs low-contrast chromatic nuances to delicately blur the boundaries between the subjects and the background, or rather, he endeavors to dissolve these boundaries. While the background integrated into the scene, the canvas seemingly withdraws, leaving only the resonant echoes of the show.

Amidst a verdant ambiance of singing and performing, the few strokes of melon-pink at the top figures’ headpieces evoke the shimmering brilliance of pearls and jewels under the stage lights. The fish-belly white sleeves, rendered in thick oil paint, seem poised to cascade at any moment. The two light-toned areas at diagonal corners not only extend the scene’s depth but also accentuate the bustling atmosphere on and off the stage. The figure dressed in bright yellow at the upper right serves as the focal point, akin to a clarion call in opera that propels the narrative to its climax.

BEI’s approach to character portrayal aligns closely with that of John Singer Sargent. As one of the most renowned portraitists of the twentieth century, Sargent skillfully employed a technique of distilling details while emphasizing broader forms, utilizing layered colors and vigorous brushwork to capture the most dynamic aspects of his subjects. His sensitivity to light and shadow allowed him to convey a sense of opulence and vibrancy in costumes with just a few deft strokes. Similar to Sargent, BEI selectively reserves precise brushwork for the expressions of his figures. However, he adopts a more highly abstracted treatment of surrounding elements, resulting in compositions that are more fluid than Sargent’s, with a greater sense of dimensionality in the characters, thereby enriching the resonance with the audience.