Wang Tao, a famous figure painter, is one of the representatives of contemporary freehand figure painting. Born in Hefei, Anhui in 1943, his original name was Wang Shouxin, his nickname was Dutianzhaizhu, and his courtesy name was Wenxiting Tea Guest. Graduated from the Art Department of Anhui Normal University in 1967. From 1979 to 1982, he graduated from the graduate class of Chinese painting figures at China Academy of Art (formerly Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts). After 1985, he served as president of Anhui Painting and Calligraphy Academy, vice chairman of Anhui Artists Association, director of Chinese Artists Association, member of Chinese Painting Art Committee of China Artists Association, researcher of China National Academy of Painting, executive director of Chinese Painting Society, and calligraphy and painting academy of Central Research Institute of Literature and History. A member of the Art Committee and a national first-class artist, he enjoys government subsidies awarded by the State Council for special contributions. It has participated in many major domestic exhibitions and won awards. It has been collected and displayed by major art galleries, museums, the Great Hall of the People, the State Council and other units. It has been exhibited in the United States, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other countries and regions. Hold a solo exhibition.

Wang Tao is a leading figure of the contemporary Xin'an School of Painting. Wang Tao's paintings are not won by shape, but by spirit; they are not won by technique, but by style. His techniques of hooking, boneless, rubbing, and splashing are so familiar that they seem to be mastered by hand. The formal beauty of pen and ink complements the abstract beauty of shape. His paintings transform the past into the present, with new trends, unique craftsmanship, and broad mind. He is a representative in today's painting circle who can perfectly combine ancient methods with new ideas. He has published more than 20 albums including "Wang Tao Figure Painting", "Wang Tao Works Collection", "Wang Tao Painting Collection", "Four Masters of Painting", "Ten Chinese Contemporary Figure Painters - Wang Tao", "Twenty Chinese Painting Masters - Wang Tao" picture album.