Objective To compare the effectiveness of a visual art training based on Chinese oil paintings versus usual training on observational skills and diagnostic skills among master of nursing specialist. Methods A total of 106 master of nursing specialist in Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University were recruited and randomized to either the experimental group（n=53,visual art training plus usual training）or the control group（n=53,usual training）. Data were collected and compared on observational and diagnostic skills by clinical image test for both groups before and after the visual art training. The experimental group was asked to complete the self-reported satisfaction questionnaire after the visual art training.At the same time,comments from instructors were also collected. Results The score of observational skills of students in the experimental group was higher compared with that of the control group after the visual art training（P<0.05）,while there was no statistical difference between the two groups in scores of diagnostic skills（P>0.05）. The overall satisfaction score of the experimental group was（4.5±0.6）. The instructors commented that after the application of Chinese oil paintings in visual arts training,students were more active,more engaged,and able to interpret the painting in more detail. Conclusion The visual art training based on Chinese oil paintings is well accepted and feasible,and it can improve the observational skills of Chinese master of nursing specialist students.