A group of 30 Chinese artists, inspired by the tenacity and unity of their people in the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake, have returned from overseas to jointly produce a large oil painting titled “Warm Blood in May.” The painting, divided into nine sections, is inspired by news images of the disaster. The first panels depict the panic-stricken crowds after the quake hit, the middle the spark of new hope after the rescue and relief work began, and the end of the painting portrays the rebuilding process of a new homeland. “This catastrophic disaster has stimulated the most beautiful things in human nature,” painter Li Guijun said. “It is all worth our great admiration.” The painting will be auctioned off in Beijing on Monday. All the proceeds will be donated to the quake areas. (via CCTV)