Capture the gentleness of nature

Profession with plants

3D sculpture painting, or botanical reproduction, is a discipline that combines painting and relief sculpting, creating shapes directly on a flat surface (canvas frame, wood, plaster, etc.) using a solid, viscous material. Unlike preserving images of plants by drying them, the main technique here is using a sculpting trowel to create individual petals and intricate leaf patterns. This art form originated in France and Russia, featuring sharp, stylized depictions of flower petals in a luxurious and modern style.

“I was fortunate enough to discover this art form, and then I taught myself little by little, learning online. Most online videos don't provide detailed instructions; they mainly teach in a way that's suitable for those already in the profession. So, to go from zero to creating beautiful paintings, it's mostly about self-discovery and creativity. I consider that a joy, something that motivates me to pursue. Because with anything you learn, the basics can be taught, but the essence must be discovered by yourself,” shared artist Hai Yen.

Painter Hai Yen pursues emotional paintings

The secret to creating a soulful specimen or sculpture lies in the materials and sculpting techniques. Different materials will create different textures on the finished product, such as distinctive veins and cracks to depict tree bark or animals, or smoothness to create delicate, sharp flower petals.

A flower branch in the garden, a wild grass on the roadside, a few colored pencils on the table look very ordinary, but when painted, they are very charming and soulful. This lies in the composition (parallel arrangement, diagonal arrangement, overlapping or draping leaves as if climbing through the picture frames...) and color description.

The colors used can be acrylic (synthetic polymer resin) applied using watercolor techniques (blending layers of color, mixing and blending basic colors, simply to realistically depict the shades of flowers and objects). Besides the realistic style, the yin-yang technique using pastel crayons can also be used, giving the painting visual depth, with areas of light and shadow reflecting mood and telling a story.

This type of painting is used in high-end home decoration (unique wall paintings, nameplates, signs of handmade art stores), gift box decoration, or even used as a spiritual therapy.

Keeping things unsaid

Four years ago, artist Hai Yen began introducing this art form to art lovers, giving them the opportunity to experience a refined and meticulous style that is not "out of reach." With guidance, this art form only requires a high degree of patience, as the delicate flowers and leaves are easily torn, have many stamens, require many complex and meticulous details, and take many days to complete a work; it does not demand exceptionally special talent.

Those who appreciate this style of painting are often people with strong emotions for nature, moved by the beauty of branches and blades of grass; wanting to preserve the image of a bitter gourd plant they grew themselves bearing its first fruit, a grapevine planted by their father, a rose given by a lover… However, each person, depending on their personality, will have different choices in depicting their favorite flowers.

Some people prefer sturdy flowers with few petals, petals that aren't too thin (like orchids), and leaves with many veins, conveying strength and ease of shaping. Others prefer delicate, small, and highly detailed flowers that require a great deal of time and patience. Still others choose to sculpt mementos or objects with historical significance, such as pens, keys, or old wooden or plastic toys belonging to their children.

Artist Hai Yen shared: “There was a period when I was in crisis due to family problems, and art became my savior. After having the opportunity to learn about sculpture and specimen making, I spent time each morning, letting go of all the negative thoughts in my head, focusing on making paintings. Everything just flowed naturally, I gradually calmed down and had the thought: maybe many people can also be healed through this art form like me!”

From then on, Hai Yen began introducing this art form to others. Initially, students came mainly out of curiosity about this unusual art style, but with a friendly instructor and a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, students gradually learned to let go of negative issues, easily opening up and sharing their feelings, which words sometimes couldn't fully express.

KIND HEART

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/khac-lai-net-dieu-dang-cua-thien-nhien-post807023.html