Han Shiquan, a native of Hai'an, paints medical workers on a stone. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

Stone paintings used to be called rock paintings, as they are literally paintings on rocks.

Creating art on rocks is not much different than painting on paper, canvas, or walls. The only difference is the surface texture – but this still presents a challenge.

Han teaches children how to paint on stones. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

Each stone has a unique shape, texture and quality and small stones and uneven surfaces are not easy to paint on, especially if one wants fine details.

Han Shiquan, a native of Hai'an in Nantong, loves painting on stones and has a habit of collecting cobblestones when he travels.

One key to creating good painted stones is to let the shape of the stone dictate what the design will be. Therefore, Han usually plans out what he will paint before picking up a brush.

A stone painting by Han. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

On round stones, Han often paints birds, flowers, and cute animals, while on stones that look dignified, he paints more serious and solemn subjects.

Before being painted, the stones need to be cleaned and tinted with four to five layers of bottom color. Han then starts painting his design and filling in the colors on the stone.