As an important intangible cultural heritage in China, the Dongba painting of the Naxi ethnic group holds an irreplaceable important position and artistic value. Overall, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis of the current development status of modern Dongba painting, and research on modern Dongba painting from an artistic perspective is also relatively lacking in existing research. This study investigates the modern Dongba painting in the northwest region of Yunnan, describes its development stage and current situation, points out the problems of relatively lagging theoretical research, the impact of economic development and cultural integration on Dongba painting art, and the shortage of young artists engaged in modern Dongba painting creation. Corresponding suggestions are proposed: government agencies assist in promoting the development of modern Dongba painting, and develop excellent modern Dongba painting products through multiple channels, and optimize the combination of modern Dongba painting and university education to cultivate more Dongba painting talents.