How I Completed a 1 Month Drawing Challenge in Hanoi: Niara’s Story
It all began on a breezy March afternoon. The studio doorbell rang, and there stood Niara—bright-eyed, curious, and unexpected. She was solo traveling through Vietnam with plans that stretched beyond Hanoi, but something about our little studio drew her in. What started as a chance encounter turned into a month-long artistic journey neither of us could have predicted.
From Self-Study to Structured Learning
Niara had been self-taught, carrying sketches filled with observations from her travels. When she showed us her work and as we saw her paint during self study time at our studio, her ability to capture accurate proportions immediately stood out. That strong foundation allowed her to transition quickly into oil painting, the medium in which she was seeking to develop her skills further.
We encouraged her to join our sessions, and soon she was painting almost every day. Sometimes she would sit through two sessions in a row, breaking only for a quick lunch before diving back into her easel. With remarkable focus, she began preparing color maps for her first still life—an exercise many seasoned students approach with hesitation.
Conversations in Color, and so on…
One afternoon, while she was mixing colors on a wheel, we struck up a conversation. She realized how challenging it can be to match a desired shade—how mixing pigments often desaturates them, unlike the purity you get straight from the tube. That little discovery led to a deeper exchange. We spoke about art, identity, and how culture shapes us as individuals and creators.
It amazed me how naturally our talk shifted from technical details to reflections about life—about where we stand in the world, how we see ourselves, and how painting can act as a mirror of both. For me as a teacher, it became one of those rare and memorable experiences that stays long after the brushes are cleaned.
Fearless Exploration
What made Niara’s journey so remarkable was her attitude. She was unafraid of mistakes, embracing every wrong stroke as part of the process. That kind of fearlessness is exactly what we, as artists, aspire to keep alive in our own practice. With patience and a willingness to explore, she embodied the spirit of a 1-month drawing challenge in Hanoi—not just completing it, but transforming through it.
A Powerful Result
By the end of the challenge, her canvas told the story better than words could. The brushstrokes carried her identity—energetic, thoughtful, and unafraid. The still life she completed wasn’t just an exercise in oil painting; it was proof of her journey.
Niara’s story proves that growth comes when we step outside comfort zones. Trying something new—whether drawing, painting, or simply showing up at a studio in a foreign city—can become the catalyst for transformation.
Final Thoughts
For us as teachers, witnessing how I completed a 1-month drawing challenge in Hanoi through Niara’s journey was inspiring. She reminded us why we open our doors every day: to see art bring people closer to themselves, to their identities, and to new ways of seeing the world.
Wishing you the best wherever you go, Niara!
