Born in Guangdong, China, in 1918, Lin traveled to France on a government sponsored work study program. During his seven years in France, Lin studied in Dijon and at L'École National Supérieure in Paris learning Western drawing and painting techniques. Strengthening his academic training, his experience outside the classroom brought him in touch with the modern western art movement of the day, such as Post-Impressionism, Fauvism and Primitivism. The works of Matisse and Modigliani in particular impressed the young artist, who began developing his own style, blending Western and Chinese traditions. His works were selected for exhibition in the Salon d'Automne in Paris 1924. Lin returned to China in 1925 where he was appointed Director of the Beijing National Art College (precursor to the Central Academy of Fine Art). At the invitation of Cai Yuanpei, Lin founded and became the first director of the Hangzhou National Art Academy. Later he led the "New Art Movement" and published extensive writings on Western and Chinese art.
