Born in Nantou, Taiwan in 1943, Lin Wen-chiang received traditional art training at the National Taiwan Academy of Arts (now National Taiwan University of Arts) and teachings from artists including Wu Dongcai, Yang San-lang, Hong Jui-lin, Chang Wan-chuan. Lin received the Gold Medal honor at the National Art Exhibition in 1977. In 1980, he left for Paris, France, to further his art studies at Académie de la Grand-Chanmiére; there he revamped previous knowledge of canvas making as well as the proper use of color. Works were selected multiple times at the French Salon d autumn and others. His unencumbered style allowed him to break through convention, and chose subjects to emphasize Taiwan's people, culture, and heritage.