Mountain peaks are sketched with spontaneous calligraphic brushstrokes and ink wash that create light and shadow and three dimensional forms. The right side of the peaks are in shadow created by a dark ink wash; the lighter left side gives the impression of being immersed in sunlight. LIU shows the influence of Western abstract painting although the calligraphic brushstrokes are traditional Chinese. The painting also resembles a photographic snapshot of the mountain peaks. The pointed mountain peaks with pine trees evoke the Yellow Mountains (Huangshan, 黄山) in China; only pine trees grow in the Yellow Mountains. However, in the artist’s inscription he mentions Hobart (in Tasmania, Australia) where he painted this painting.
