The painting shop of painter Tran Hoa Binh, born in 1955, residing in Phat Diem town, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province, is located along National Highway 10, less than 10 square meters wide. In that small room, everywhere is filled with portraits, but the most notable are the portraits of Uncle Ho - the beloved leader of the nation.

Artist Tran Hoa Binh with his painting of Uncle Ho

Although he never studied painting at any school, from a young age, artist Tran Hoa Binh was fortunate to have access to an easel and a brush from a special teacher and father - the late artist Nam Phong, whose famous painting "Our Lady of Vietnam" was selected to be displayed at the Vatican (Italy) in late 1953.

"Although I did not study painting, from a young age, my father inspired me with passion when he taught me the first strokes. Among the thousands of paintings my father painted, I am always most impressed and remember the paintings of Uncle Ho, the great father of the nation. Although I have never met Uncle Ho, the image of his gentle eyes, high forehead, beard and silver hair, simple and friendly style are the inspiration that motivates me to successfully paint portraits of Uncle Ho," said artist Binh.

To be able to succeed in his artistic career as he is now, Mr. Binh was taught the first lessons about painting by his father. These are composition, color, light, how to hold a brush to draw light and dark strokes. Although he showed his talent for painting from a young age, according to Mr. Binh, his father was often very strict, requiring him not to draw pictures of Uncle Ho when his skills were not yet solid.

Although he did not study painting, he is known by many people thanks to his portraits of the beloved leader of the nation

"My father often said that drawing a picture of Uncle Ho is not about beauty or ugliness, likeness or not, but the important thing is the spirit, the emotion, the respect of the painter based on the true image of Uncle Ho. He told him to draw firmly, only when he is firm can he draw a portrait of Uncle Ho" - painter Tran Hoa Binh recalled.

From his father's advice and with his own efforts and determination, at the age of 16 (1971), Mr. Binh painted his first portrait of Uncle Ho. The painting was highly appreciated by his father, and was the work that brought him a high award from Kim Son district at that time. This work was later donated by him to the People's Committee of Phat Diem town to hang at the headquarters. This was also the motivation for this artist to pursue painting, continuing his journey of painting portraits of Uncle Ho until now.

To create delicate and vivid paintings, he regularly searches for documents and pictures of Uncle Ho to convey his feelings in each stroke. His portrait paintings are mainly painted on oil paint, medium size (68x88 cm). They focus on many topics of Uncle Ho with children, Uncle Ho sitting on the sofa.

Painter Tran Hoa Binh is completing a portrait of Uncle Ho

The special thing is that, among thousands of paintings of Uncle Ho, artist Tran Hoa Binh devoted all his heart and intelligence to painting over 700 images of an image of Uncle Ho. That is the original photo of President Ho wearing a gray khaki suit, sitting on a sofa, with white hair and beard. This photo was taken by a Russian reporter on the occasion of the leader's visit and work to Russia.

"This is the most special photo among the photos of Uncle Ho that I have reproduced. I watched my father draw more than 40 years ago, I still remember his strokes. Therefore, when drawing, I always try to make the painting exude the most vivid image, to enhance the beauty of Uncle Ho" - artist Binh shared.

Although he is 70 years old, Mr. Binh still draws portraits of Uncle Ho every day with a strong affection. Up to now, he has drawn over 1,000 portraits of Uncle Ho. Although he has drawn a large number, he has invested his heart, intelligence, and meticulousness in each line to vividly depict the temperament of the great leader, that is, the high forehead, the bright eyes, and the warm smile.

A corner of the artist Tran Hoa Binh's painting shop

According to Mr. Binh, Uncle Ho's mark has left in the hearts of all Vietnamese people, so every time he draws a portrait of Uncle Ho, he pays great attention to Uncle Ho's face and studies a lot about Uncle Ho's images. Therefore, after those portraits he draws, it is also a source of encouragement for him to continue his career to draw about Uncle Ho, thereby deeply conveying the feelings and great but also very simple personality of beloved Uncle Ho./.

Compiled by BTA (Photo source: nld.com.vn)