Artists for Wildlife and Nature - Quarterly Wildlife Artist Feature

Artist Introduction

Hoang was born in 1964. He first drew with chalk on his mother’s concrete floor, at her home in Saigon, when he was about 2 years old. He developed a passion for wildlife early in his life, whilst accompanying his mother to the Saigon zoo. Afterwards, Hoang would return home and make picture books with photos of animals cut out from magazines.

​In 1979, four years after the war ended, he left Vietnam by boat, as a refugee. After arriving in France in 1980, Hoang was able to study computing, and ultimately gained employment in Paris for the next 16 years, before returning to Vietnam in 1996. Soon after his return, Hoang joined an advertising agency, as an Art Director, and eventually rose to become Creative Director for several agencies for more than 15 years. In 2013, Hoang decided to quit advertising, and to devote himself entirely to full time, wildlife painting.

​​Since then, Hoang has completed numerous illustrations, commissioned murals and concept designs, for interpretation centers, national parks and public spaces, all over Vietnam. He also contributes to educating children about nature and the environment in Vietnam with his art and illustrations.

Hoang has a preference for tropical regions, Africa, Central and South America. And after having visited more than 25 countries in his life, Hoang continues to travel throughout the world to draw wildlife, nature.

His work consists of acrylic paintings on canvas, with a detailed and realistic rendering, portraying animals with typical poses and behavior in their natural habitats.

​• Dear Hoang, could you please share with us how your journey toward art started ? What inspired you to take up art? 

Great to talk to you too Prasad! I began to draw very early in life, let's say when i was about 2-3 year old with chalk on the concrete floor. Of course all kids draw, so one can’t really tell if it is born talent but I never quit drawing ever since. Couldn’t attend fine art school however I have been self teaching with books all the time, learning techniques related to art. 

All kinds of painting mediums, anatomy, perspective, landscapes, science illustrations etc. Have also developed a passion for nature and all animals since I was young. Art of Robert Bateman inspired me, ever since i always wanted to become a Wildlife Artist. This dream came true after quitting a long career in advertising. 
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• May i know what mediums do you like to work with the most and why? 

For big pieces of fine art I use acrylic, either on canvas or on board. I would love to use oil more however due to the odor and long cleaning process, this medium is not suitable for my working space with children. I don’t have the luxury to practice much. 

I maintain several travel diaries for which watercolor is the preferred medium for its spontaneity and speed. 

Digital medium works well for scientific or children book illustrations.

• May i know how you learn this artform? Do you have a Mentor? 

As mentioned earlier, I didn't have a chance to meet a Mentor! So all of it is self taught.

• May i know who is/are your favorite artist/artists? 

There are two Masterclass Wildlife Artists i admire and it is hard to choose between the two. The Canadian artist Robert Bateman and the UK/NZ artist Raymond Harris-Ching.

​• May i know how your stay in France influenced your artlife? 

The time in Paris opened my eyes to art in general and this particular subject-art form which is wildlife. I was very well exposed to, not only museums but also great wildlife art books in big stores which we don’t have in my home country Vietnam. 

France has many national parks and nature reserves easily accessible. So from the artwork of other artists in museums and in books to the real natural outdoor, the inspiration is endless.

​• Could you elaborate the challenges one faces during the pursue of art career, especially for nature artists? Also if there are ways to overcome these challenges? 

To be really honest, I’m still struggling making it work financially however it is rewarding when you have good appraisals and appreciations in solo exhibitions. It feels great to hear from your potential buyers/peers and that’s what makes you want to persevere in your career. Of course among making real fine art, you also have to tackle other more viable commissions to feed your art career. I’m lucky enough to be able to make some of my favorite wildlife subjects through murals for national parks, design environmental exhibition centers. 

Illustrating wildlife children books and other communication materials with the same subjects is something i do. Teaching kids nature art also helps. So the challenge is big however if you choose the right path that is if you choose the right project – it can be rewarding and you don’t need to think about it as much as challenge but rather life learning experience.

• May i know your kind views on need for a society for nature artists and what can be achieved through such community for artists? 

We nature artists definitely need a common intellectual, even spiritual space to share passion and experiences with each other. Therefore a society to achieve such things is very welcomed. For neophytes it helps to build their confidence by getting advice from the masters. It also benefits everyone to see each other’s works and get a fresh perspective onto their own. 

From a conservation point of view, the collective work of the society can bring honest and realistic views of the current state of nature to the general public. Also the attitudes of the artists via their artwork can send strong visual messages to influence government in their decision making and inspire young.

• What would be your top five tips to becoming a good wildlife artist?  

Tip #1: Spend a lot of time in the field, there is no substitute to seeing the real thing!    
Tip #2: Practice every day, there are no short cuts!    
Tip #3: Learn anatomy, be accurate, learning never stops!   
Tip #4: Trust your emotion, don't doubt your conscience!     
Tip #5: Care for details, for nature is full it!