Born in 1948 in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. He graduated from the Fine Arts Department of Sichuan Education College (now Chengdu Normal University), where he belonged to one of the earliest graduating cohorts of the department.

He is a member of the China Artists Association, Vice Chairman of the Guo Yun Wen Hua Academy of Painting and Calligraphy, member of the Sichuan Calligraphers Association, council member of the Sichuan Original Painting and Calligraphy Exchange Association, Vice President of the Sichuan Tianfu Painting Academy, Vice President of the Zhigong Painting Academy, and committee member of the Sihai Painting Academy.

He has held solo exhibitions in China and internationally, including in the United States, France, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Singapore, and has received numerous awards. His works are widely recognized and collected.

Cao Xiaoqin is especially renowned for his horse paintings. He developed a distinctive freehand mògǔ (“boneless”) technique, using ink washes as a foundation and expressive, unrestrained brushstrokes to define form. His painting process flows with spontaneity and control, fully utilizing the interaction of dry and wet ink on rice paper. By integrating calligraphy into painting, he embodies the principle that “calligraphy and painting share the same origin.” His works combine bold expressive force with refined detail, blending grandeur with classical elegance.

Collaborative Exhibition

From January 3 to January 10, 2026, he participated in The Steed Prances, Fortune Advances: Cao Xiaoqin Mògǔ Method: A Special Exhibition for the Year of Horse Exhibition, held at The Art Space SG in Singapore.

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