"Drawing for Tet"

In the art-filled atmosphere of the early days of the new year, artist Ho Van Tiep (Thanh Sen ward) is recreating spring in his own unique way. Without the hustle and bustle, without the rush and crowds, the spirit of Tet (Vietnamese New Year) is still fully and completely expressed through his brushstrokes and colors.

Artist Ho Van Tiep recreates spring through each brushstroke.

Inspired by the vibrant colors and scents of Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), such as flowers, the artist's vision and talent have breathed life into his Tet paintings, conveying unique stories and messages.

Sharing about his creative journey, he said: “To create paintings for Tet (Vietnamese New Year), I often draw inspiration from peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and scenes from Tet celebrations, incorporating them into my artistic style and combining them with colors according to painting motifs. To give Tet paintings soul, I use bright colors for images of flowers and cheerful scenes. When creating nostalgic works like the pot of banh chung (traditional rice cake) or images of family gatherings, I use more subdued colors. Through this, I aim to convey unique emotions to the viewer.”

Mr. Tiep uses bright colors for the images of flowers.

For artists, painting Tet (Vietnamese New Year) is not just about creating art, but a journey of breathing life into colors, reviving traditional values and the joy of spring. Tet in these paintings is not boisterous, but full and warm. Each brushstroke carries memories of family, homeland, or past springs.

According to artist Pham Song Hao (Thanh Sen ward): The most important thing for the Tet (Lunar New Year) atmosphere to be clearly expressed in a painting is the artist's emotion. To recreate a painting with "soul," the artist not only uses technique, but also uses memories, experiences, and very personal feelings. Only with sufficiently deep emotions and strong creativity can the artist convey the breath and spirit of the artwork.

"Drawing Tet" is about drawing with memories, experiences, and emotions...

Lunar New Year paintings are becoming increasingly diverse in materials, genres, and styles, ranging from traditional to modern. This combination makes the New Year depicted in these paintings more vibrant and relatable to contemporary life.

The market for Tet paintings is very diverse.

Nguyen Van An, a Master of Art Theory and History from Ha Tinh University, shared: "Tet (Lunar New Year) is a great source of inspiration for artists because it brings together both vibrant colors and emotional depth. From peach blossoms and apricot blossoms, flower markets, to family meals, every detail is rich in visual material and symbolic value. More importantly, Tet evokes family memories, traditions, and hopes for the new year. Therefore, painting Tet is not just about recreating the scenery, but also a way for artists to tell cultural stories and convey their feelings."

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is not just about flower markets, bustling streets, or boisterous sounds; it also resides in every painting, every frame, anchoring itself in the viewer's gaze, lingering as a gentle and enduring emotion, like a moment of quiet amidst the hurried flow of time. "Painting Tet" is about adding another shade of spring, one that is profound, serene, and rich in spiritual value.