The paper describes the results of the research on the history of the creative artistic method of neorealism in fine arts and art education of China. The artistic method of neorealism took a leading part in artistic creativity and teaching of Western fine arts in educational institutions of China, promoting theoretical scientific studies and creative searches of art teachers in the field of applying the Chinese specificity to foreign fine arts. The authors prove that the neorealism method changed the pre-war model of professional art education in China. The development of neorealism during the war also did not diminish in the post-war period. The tendencies of nationalisation of professional art education, which had a significant impact on the concepts, methodologies and practices of art education in China in the second half of the 20th century and the first quarter of the 21st century, are considered in the historical perspective.
Key words: methodology of art education, neorealism, Western painting, nationalisation of professional art education, guóhuà influence, ornament.

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