1. Sketchbook of Hanoi

Growing up in Hanoi, I have an affection to every cornet of this city. Especially those are less known with tourists, because these places feel more authentic to me. When sitting in a cafe painting these scenes, I feel like capturing a moment of this city, a moment that will be gone with unavoidable modern development. 

That’s why I tend to chose old houses or historic structures, so that theirs stories can live on through my paintings. 

Below is my favorite painting of 2023 – this captures idyllically the area I grew up in, a very ordinary area with no tourist attractions. I’ve walked pass these houses hundreds and hundreds time. 

I know that one day I will miss this scene dearly. 

2. Studies of nature

One big drawback of growing and living in a big city is that I rarely get to see a scene just full of nature. All these studies were based on photos. 

I personally love scenes of tree and water, both allows me to play with color and reflection. Painting nature is also more liberating since it seems like I’m having a secondary experience with these scenes, an escape from my bustling city. 

3. Studies of color

I find it still life studies useful but a bit boring, so I often paint scene with lots of similar objects to practice instead. These objects sitting together show contrast in colors and interesting negative space.