Born in Guangdong province, AU Ho-nien took apprenticeship with ink master Chao Shaoan, and his works have strong influence from the Lingnan School of Art. He promotes creativity from the basis of traditional Chinese paintings. Thus, his works obtained the essence of traditional Chinese painting with a hint of style from Japanese art. Au's works have been welcomed within and beyond Taiwan, and have participated in various cities around the world. Au also devotes his life in art education and is currently a professor in the Chinese Culture University in Taiwan.