Qi Deyan (1932) is from Gao'an, Jiangxi Province. After his graduation from the Lu Xun Art Academy in 1955, he worked as an editor for the Jiangxi Illustrated (江西画报, Jiangxi huabao) and taught at the Jiangxi College for Literature and Art. He now is a Professor of Fine Arts and Environmental Design at the Chongqing University in Chongqing City, Sichuan Province. While pursuing his love of watercolour, he is currently teaching and researching environmental design and fine arts.

Qi's reputation is based on his water colors, murals, oil paintings and art education. He is a Council Member of the National Chinese Watercolourists Association and the President of the Chongqing Watercolourists Association. He is listed among the Renowned Contemporary Artists of China.