Liu Renjie was born in Dalian, Liaoning Province, in 1951. In 1968, he was sent to the countryside, to Chaoyang Township, Xiuyan County, Liaoning Province. In 1971, he started work in the art group of the Xiuyan County Cultural Center. He graduated in 1987 from the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts in Shenyang. He now is dean and professor in the Oil Painting Department of the same Academy.

Liu is known as an oil painter. He cooperated with Song Huimin, Fei Changfu, Chao Deren, Yu Zhenli and Wang Baishun.