Painting the poets is French artist's passion

Jean Yves Simon in front of his painting Lost at his studio in Heiqiao, an art village in Beijing.

"Beijing is a changing city - I love change. Just see the number of shows held every day here. It's impossible for this to happen in France," says Simon.

The French artist quickly acquainted himself with Chinese painters and sculptors in the art village where his studio is located, and discusses China's culture and art world with them. He rides his bicycle to hutong and parks to integrate himself into Beijing life. He cycled about 4,000 kilometers last year.

In Simon's view, the crowds of people and the traffic in the city are charming and fluid like water, full of energy, as opposed to the "dullness of life in France". The city life, crowds, skyscrapers, hutong and local people stand out on his canvas, often with a red hue because he thinks red is the color of Beijing.

Huang, his wife, says that Simon had asked her to buy a red shirt and a pair of red shoes for him when he decided to stay in Beijing.

"I try to understand the culture with my eyes, ears and mouth. I love to talk to people and listen to the language even though I don't understand. I feel I'm a half Chinese now," Simon says.