In his inscription Lan Yin states that he uses Mi Fu’s methods to depict this landscape. The ovoid "Mi" dots—Mi Fu’s brush idioms—are applied to give shape to the cloud-enveloped mountains and foreground tree grove for self expression. Engaging in the process of fang (imitation), he acquired the methods of various schools and masters to expand his technical range for creative transformations. Lan Yin developed his unique style and inspired major artists like Liu Du and Chen Hongshou.