Shanghai Blues: Chinese Cheongsam Ladies Oil Painting Portrait Style (Chen Yifei)

Shanghai Blues: Chinese Cheongsam Ladies Oil Painting Portrait Style (Chen Yifei) - v1.0

Trained on 21 oil paintings by the Chinese artist Chen Yifei (Chinese: 陈逸飞; April 12, 1946 – April 10, 2005). Most of these paintings features Chinese ladies wearing traditional Cheongsam. To see his works, please go to

I've also made a companion LoRA: Canal Reveries: Chinese and Venetian Canal Landscape Oil Painting Style (Chen Yifei).

Trivia: Shanghai Blues (Chinese:上海之夜) is a 1984 Hong Kong comedy film directed and produced by Tsui Hark in his producing debut.

Known issues:

LoRA will generate Chinese people by default. That's a feature, not a bug.
Women will also wear cheongsam by default, again, not a bug 😹

From ChatGPT:

Chen Yifei (Chinese: 陈逸飞; April 12, 1946 – April 10, 2005) was a celebrated Chinese painter, director, and cultural icon known for blending Western realism with traditional Chinese aesthetics. His mastery of light, texture, and emotion placed him at the forefront of contemporary Chinese art, while his influence extended into film, fashion, and design.

Early Life & Education

Born: April 14, 1946, in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.
He studied at the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, where he developed a deep appreciation for Western oil painting techniques, particularly those of the Romantic and Realist movements.
During the Cultural Revolution, Chen’s career was shaped by state-sponsored art, but he emerged as a leading figure in the "Red Romanticism" movement, creating grand historical and propaganda paintings.

Artistic Style & Themes

Chen Yifei’s signature style is defined by:

1. Western Realism with Eastern Sensibility

Influenced by Western masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, Chen used chiaroscuro (strong contrasts between light and dark) to create dramatic, atmospheric works.
His attention to texture, fabric, and facial expression evokes deep emotional resonance.

2. Cultural Identity & Nostalgia

After moving to the United States in the 1980s, Chen developed a deep longing for Chinese heritage, which he expressed in serene, contemplative works depicting traditional Chinese life, landscapes, and women in qipaos.
His series featuring Suzhou canals, Chinese musicians, and elegant women in traditional attire reflect this theme.

3. Elegant Portraiture & Fashion Aesthetics

Chen’s portraiture often emphasizes grace, mystery, and emotional depth, blending Western precision with Eastern serenity.

Notable Works

Lingering Melody A signature piece showcasing a woman in traditional Chinese clothing, immersed in quiet reflection. The interplay of soft fabrics and muted tones evokes a sense of timelessness.
The Old Dreams by the Canal Part of his famous canal series, this atmospheric painting captures the misty, nostalgic charm of Suzhou's waterways.
The Orchestra A powerful depiction of Chinese musicians playing traditional instruments, blending realism with cultural symbolism.

Film, Fashion & Design

Chen ventured into film directing, producing works like "A Date with China" and "Escape to Shanghai".
He founded the Layefe Fashion Brand, which reflected his aesthetic focus on elegance and cultural heritage.
His involvement in interior design blended his artistic vision with contemporary luxury.

Later Life & Legacy

Chen returned to China in the 1990s, becoming a pioneer in bridging Eastern and Western art markets.
He was instrumental in transforming Shanghai into a cultural hub for contemporary art.
His sudden death in 2005 from a heart attack at age 59 was a significant loss to the art world.

Influence & Impact

Chen Yifei’s ability to merge Western artistic techniques with Chinese cultural themes made him a pivotal figure in modern Chinese art.
His work continues to inspire artists exploring themes of cultural identity, nostalgia, and elegance.