A rich range of stunning oil painting masterpieces was on offer at the seventh China Harbin International Oil Painting Exhibition, an important cultural activity of the China-Russia Expo, which kicked off at the Harbin International Convention and Exhibition Center on June 15.

The exhibition features around 100 oil paintings and sculptures created by leading Russian artists Sidovov Valenkin Mikhailovich and Andrei Nikolaevich Kovalchuk, chairman of Russia Artists Association -- and in addition there was a special exhibition area for art works from North Korea.

Other activities on offer during the event include a master art class, an on-site oil painting activity and auction of paintings an oil painting auction. The event runs from June 15 to 19 and it is estimated visitors will top 200,000.

The exhibition is sponsored by the government of Heilongjiang province, in a bid to boost cultural exchanges between China, Russia and North Korea.

The seventh China Harbin International Oil Painting Exhibition kicks off in Harbin International Convention and Exhibition Center on June 15. [Photo/chinanews.com]

 A sculpture depicting an old man goes on display at the seventh China Harbin International Oil Painting Exhibition in Harbin International Convention and Exhibition Center on June 15. [Photo/chinanews.com]

Visitors admire a breathtaking selection of oil paintings and sculptures at the seventh China Harbin International Oil Painting Exhibition in Harbin International Convention and Exhibition Center on June 15. [Photo/chinanews.com]

From unusual sculptures to more conventional paintings, a wide selection of visual treats goes on show at the exhibition in Harbin. [Photo/chinanews.com]