When asked by this reporter what his goal was, 8-year-old Ma Maoxuan, a primary school student in the city of Yanji, Jilin province, answers determinedly, "I have a little dream of auctioning off my paintings and donating my earning to those who are in need."

Ma got an early start at his craft out of his curious sentiments -- beginning at the age of three -- and now produces beautiful flowers, lively lions, and adorable kids, anything he has seen or thought about.

Ma Maoxuan, from Yanji, wants to auction off a painting for charity. [Photo by Sunyang/ybnews.cn]

He uses bright colors and a lot of imagination and has produced more than 100 works that may seem a bit childish, but they are innocent and lively.  And, his paintings have the full backing of his father, who says, "I'm fully supportive. And, anyway, having a painting show can help my son realize his dream and perhaps help others."

In fact, Ma's work hasn't done badly since two of his paintings were bought by friends of the family for a hefty 200 yuan, because, "It's a good beginning and we hope his dream comes true one day."