Artist Nguyen Hai Thanh instills a passion for painting in the younger generation.

Artist and teacher Nguyen Hai Thanh views the artworks of his students.

Driven by a passion for painting and enthusiasm for his work, this artist-teacher not only imparts knowledge but also instills in his students a love of beauty, perseverance, and creativity, thereby helping to "ignite" the flame so that artistic dreams continue to flourish.

Diligently passing on the flame of passion.

Artist and teacher Nguyen Hai Thanh previously worked at Binh Phuoc Teacher Training College. In 2021, he transferred to teach Fine Arts at Quang Trung Specialized High School. Throughout his 27 years on the giảng platform, the impression this artist-teacher has left on generations of students is his burning passion for art and the dedication he puts into each lesson. For him, students just starting out in art are like blank pages; therefore, he meticulously guides them step by step, from understanding artwork to selecting materials, sketching, mixing colors, composing, and execution techniques… In this way, a love for this art form is kindled in his students and grows stronger over the years.

Le Vu Ha Phuong, a 12th-grade student from Quang Trung Specialized High School, shared: “What I found most interesting in Mr. Thanh's lessons was the diversity of painting styles he introduced. I realized that painting isn't just about drawing a picture with pencils or watercolors, but also encompasses many different ways of expression, each with its own unique beauty. Trying out various materials and techniques broadened my knowledge and deepened my understanding of art. Mr. Thanh always creates opportunities for us to experience and explore on our own through lively practical sessions.”

Phung Hai Dang, a student in class 12E at Quang Trung Specialized High School, said: “I always feel Mr. Thanh’s love for art. He teaches us to be careful, thoughtful, and dedicated to our artwork. Through art lessons, I appreciate the unique and interesting aspects of a painting, feeling the smooth movement of the lines, the composition, and the colors within it. His teaching style has made me see life in a more colorful and vibrant light.”

According to the 2018 General Education Program, Fine Arts is an elective subject with 10 topics and one specialized study topic. These 10 topics include disciplines such as: painting, printmaking, architecture, sculpture, multimedia art design, graphic design, fashion design, industrial design, etc.

According to artist and teacher Nguyen Hai Thanh, the most difficult content for students in Art class is printmaking. This is an indirect form of creation through printing techniques, transferring color from a printing plate onto a surface such as paper or canvas. He is currently instructing students in printmaking – a technique that requires meticulousness, care, and precision in every small detail.

“The beauty of printmaking lies in its lines, texture, and rustic quality. A printmaking artwork created by an artist can take a whole month to complete. But for students, because the lesson structure is only 15-17 periods, I don't use oil-based printing techniques but instead use pigment printing so the prints dry quickly, shortening the time for the students,” said teacher Nguyen Hai Thanh.

Ly Thanh Lam, a student in class 12D at Quang Trung Specialized High School, enthusiastically expressed: “Carving and color printing are the newest and most fascinating activities for me. Every line, every carving, under Mr. Thanh's guidance, creates color patches with their own nuances and meanings, contributing to the harmony of the artwork. Thanks to him, I am inspired and feel passionate about a subject that I previously thought was very 'easy'. The seriousness and dedication to painting are precious things I learned from my teacher.”

Artist and teacher Nguyen Hai Thanh's dream is to organize an exhibition space dedicated to the works created by his students. Such an exhibition would be a well-deserved recognition of their efforts, a gentle yet meaningful touch to the confidence of young people just starting out in the art world. It would also be a way to further motivate them to boldly pursue their creative paths, dare to nurture their dreams, and turn their artistic aspirations into reality.

A love for painting remains intact.

Despite his busy teaching schedule, artist Nguyen Hai Thanh still dedicates a special place to painting in his time. For him, creating art is not only a passion but also a way to keep his spirit fresh, and field trips are the best way to "recharge" an artist's energy.

His field trips, where he could immerse himself in pristine nature, always brought him abundant emotions, broadening his perspective and nurturing his creative inspiration; at the same time, they helped him maintain his love for painting and continue to create works bearing his distinctive personal mark. For this reason, the themes frequently appearing in artist Nguyen Hai Thanh's paintings are nature, landscapes, and people. Notably, he has produced a series of dozens of paintings on the theme of young women.

Some works by artist and teacher Nguyen Hai Thanh. Photo: Ngoc Huyen

The meticulousness and attention to detail in both his work of nurturing talent and creating art have brought well-deserved success to artist and teacher Nguyen Hai Thanh. His paintings have made a unique mark on art lovers and are sought after by many collectors. Over the years, his works have consistently participated in art exhibitions in the province, nationwide, and in the Mekong region; he has won numerous high awards at prestigious competitions and exhibitions. Under Mr. Thanh's guidance, eight of the first graduating class of Quang Trung Specialized High School students he mentored have been admitted to and are currently studying at professional schools; the remaining students understand and appreciate art, thereby learning to cherish the beauty around them…

Ngoc Huyen

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202512/hoa-si-nguyen-hai-thanh-truyen-dam-me-hoi-hoa-cho-lop-tre-015365d/