Ye is known for vigor and perseverance. It's estimated he created over 25,000 sketches. He donated more than 420 sketchbooks to the National Art Museum of China.

His former assistant, artist Hu Wei, says Ye was "self-disciplined and committed to what he was doing". He had diverse interests and believed it's never too late to learn and continue self-improvement, Hu says.

Hu took care of Ye when he had cancer in his late life.

Hu recalls that Ye normally got up around 5 am and drank a cup of tea left over from the previous night. They'd then walk for nearly an hour, during which Ye talked about his past. Hu says that after Ye returned home, he wrote diaries that he'd kept for years and sketched.