From 1973 feeling that his work, while well informed by conceptual art practice, lacked a realistic visceral dimension, he immersed himself in a study of the techniques of 17th century Dutch masters, the Abstract Expressionists and significantly the Ch'an (Zen) painters and calligraphers of China. During 1973–76 he studied Taoist and Ch'an Buddhist Arts, including T'ai Chi Ch'uan, with Dr. Liu Hsiu Chi. Fellow students at the Liu Academy included the musician Francis Monkman and Fritjof Capra author of 'The Tao of Physics.' During this time Rankle's pursuit of his interests in Old Master painting led him to further studies and later employment in the field of art conservation.