A Dance of the Mongolian Ethnic Group, a painting by Ye Qianyu on show. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Ye was good-looking and enjoyed a rich social life. His decadelong marriage to prominent dancer and choreographer Dai Ailian was another source of admiration for many.

Particularly popular are his sketches and paintings of dancers and local opera performers.

Visitors to the Ceaseless Self-Improvement exhibition at the China National Academy of Painting's gallery in Beijing through Aug 31 can explore his legacy.

Dozens of sketches and colored-ink paintings review how he viewed life and captured the nuances of people, especially when they sing and dance.