It has been the longest time since I've had some decent rest.  Although I've had spring break to sleep all I want, my mental state has not fully recharged.  Being bombarded with school projects isn't my idea of a sweet escape.  There are so many things to do.  I want to apply for a job for my work study program at the university, but I'm questioning if I'll be able to handle it.  I mean, I do use my breaks from class to catch up on reading or doing other homework.  However, I know that if I don't branch out from my comfort zone, I'll be stuck in the gutter.  I need to work on my social skills and my ability to have decent conversations with others.  But am I pushing myself too far with improving myself that I risk my academic studies?  I want to resolve to some middleground, but I'm having trouble deciding on certain things.  No, I have to keep going.  For once in my life, I gotta think positive.


Thinh Nguyen

The semester is almost over.  With a little bit over a month of school left, it seems it was just yesterday that I began going to college.  College can be a lonely place--no argument there.  I don't get to see the same faces everyday, and that hinders the chance to make new friends.  Sure, there are people who I say hi to and exert a sense of "Hey, how's it going?" or "How's your weekend?"  But, that's basically it.  When I think of it, it's pretty sad.  However, I still have hopes of making meeting new friends.  As I've said in my other entries, I'm still getting used to this transition--from high school to college.  The only difference with me is that I'm often slower than others.  I'm always the turtle.

Now, I call Admissions and Records at my university to find out about summer classes.  I'm thinking about taking 2 classes.  Yup.

I don't know who reads my blogs or whatever I have to say--but thank you.  You must be, indeed,  a good person.


Thinh Nguyen

Hi folks.  Okay, this is just something I want to spend some time and blog about for anyone whoever is interested in art--particularly, fine arts.  I'll share some of my experiences while I'm at it, as much as it pains anyone out there reading this.  Moreover, this deals 3 of my favorite artists, who I highly respect, and I'll give account on how they've influenced my growth and development in fine arts.  So let's have a whirl at it, shall we?


I.  Andrew Loomis



Without a doubt, I owe much of what I know today thanks to the works of American Illustrator, Andrew Loomis (1892 - 1959).  It all started with me looking for how to draw anime/manga tutorials--yes, I know, that may sound lame, but hey, how cool is the animation.  I admired the the vintage style aesthestic of American illustration and Loomis became the impetus influence in what I understand about drawing portraits and the human figure.

Anyway, I came across Loomis' works by accident after searching through the internet for anime/drawing lessons as the nerd as I was--and to some extent, still am.  I think it was in the summer before beginning my second year in jr. high when I really embarked on having an obsession with finding out how to draw the human head.  And I'm still learning.  I found his books were scanned online and were shared with the art community.  Since his books were no longer in publication, it was legal to use them.  His books cover from drawing the human head, to the human figure, to measuring perspective, to design, to cartooning, etc.  His books are an ocean of knowledge, and I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in learning to draw--or to just doodle around for fun.  

Some of Loomis' works:







If anyone is interested in his books, this site has downloadable complete scans of his books:
http://placidchaos.com/AM/index.php/2006/02/21/andrew_loomis


II. Leonardi da Vinci


Everyone's heard of Lenoardo da Vinci (April 15, 1452 - May 2, 1519) .  He is the artist who painted the highly recognized painting, the Mona Lisa.  Of course, he also specialized in science, mathematics, and a bundle of other subjects which is truly amazing--a man of many talents.

The reason why da Vinci is one of my favorite artist is that I was more interested in his anatomical sketches and mathematical formulas of drawing the human head.  As mentioned on Loomis' section, both were extremely knowledgeable in anatomy.  I compared da Vinci's works and Loomis' works side by side, and although they shared many similar formulas on anatomy, I sided with Loomis' approach but only by a worm length.  They both shared the Phi ration of proportions, but from what I experimented from drawing the human head, Loomis' approach and standard was much easier to understand and much more practical to apply.  However, da Vinci's knowledge of anatomy and measuring the human figure/head is incredibly accurate for a man of his time.

Some of da Vinci's works:







III.  William-Adolphe Bouguereau


In my opinion, William-Adolphe Bouguereau (November 30, 1825 - August 19, 1905)  is among the greatest of any academic oil painters.  He was a French painter who was a master at depicting the human form.  Mainly, he painted representational art and young peasant women.  His hallmark is his ability to paint and draw hands so delicately.  He truly is the Mt. Everest of academic oil painters.

I actually discovered Bouguereau by some whimsical chance while watching YouTube videos about Greek Mythology.  Since then, I've greatly admired his work.  His paintings convey such an ideal world that is painstakingly beautiful.  This was part of the reason why many Impressionists criticized his works.  I, however, disagree.  Bouguereau's paintings is a showcase of subtle manuevers that speak louder than any forced action.  Even though he may have a lot of things going on in many of his paintings, they are woven together so harmoniously that one can't help but be in awe of his technical prowess.  I try to look at his paintings and gain some value knowledge about subtlety, composition, and technical execution.  I still have a hard time thinking in simple terms, so I'm still learning a lot from studying Bouguereau's paintings--which is very helpful. 

Some of Bouguereau's works:






So that's basically it.  These are 3 of the fine artists I admire and have played a cataclysmic role in shaping my knowledge in painting and drawing.  There are other artists who also influenced me and whose artworks I respect.  The list would be too long to name.

Honorable Mentions:
Tetsuya Nomura
John William Waterhouse
Julie Dillon
Ishikawa Fumi

My parents had just got home from work.  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my mom pacing back and forth.  Usually, she would say hi to me and would ask if I'd eaten anything--but not tonight.  I knew something was wrong.  I was right.  After taking a quick shower so I could continue on writing my essay, I went to her room.  Her eyes were drenched with tears.  They were spewing out by the second.  Because of what?None other than my oldest brother.

Apparently, my brother made a rude remark and punctured an emotional, verbal stab on Mom.  Frankly, my brother isn't what I would call my role model.  He drinks, smokes, parties late at night, irresponsible, and worst of all, he died years ago when I realized this wasn't the same brother I had lived with and loved all these years.  My parents are allowing him to work, and he nabs in 1.2k each month, doing very little work.  He doesn't even work fulfill his obligation as an employee, so my mom decided to cut his pay to 600.  This was what started the riot.  My dad is also upset with their oldest son, but he rarely shows his emotions.  My mom is particularly taking it hard.  I'd never seen her cry so much.

My thoughts are so scrambled now...


Thinh Nguyen

At school right now; so tiiiiiiiirrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeed.


Thinh Nguyen