Late painters Ding Tianque, Zhuang Huayue and Wu Cangshi maintained a friendship that went back to their days at Hangzhou Fine Art School (now the China Academy of Art).

They lived through a golden era in the development of modern Chinese art: Their teachers were masters of classic Chinese ink art or oil painters who were trained in France, and they were inspired by the integration of Chinese and Western art.

Their schoolmates included Zao Wou-ki, Chu Teh-chun and Wu Guanzhong.

Despite having experienced wars, chaos and illtreatment, the three painters never shed their love of painting.

An exhibition now on at the Ici Labas gallery in Beijing, through Sept 18, marks their devotion to art and their passion for life.

Ding's oil paintings on show include portraits, landscapes and stil-lifes showcasing solid training he once received at school.

Zhuang's watercolors and ink works were primarily produced in his late years, being encouraged by his old classmate and good friend Zao Wou-ki.

Wu's paintings demonstrate a rhythmic touch as he was a longtime lover of music.