Tran Nguyen: The Illustrative Adventures of You and Me

new ltd. edition prints

2012-01-26T13:58:00.011-05:00

Thinkspace and I are happy to announce the release of a new giclee print:

“Treading Through An Untrimmed Memory”
Edition of 25
Hand-signed and numbered by the artist
Giclee print on Museo Portfolio Rag Paper
20″ x 16″ (with an image area of 16 3/4 x 14″)
$100 each (plus s&h)
PURCHASE HERE

On a different note, here's my portrait of Aung San Suu Kyi:

Burmese Red, 2012

Other interpretations of Suu Kyi by artists from the Richard Solomon Group can be found here.

P.S. Unfortunately, the show at Roq La Rue in March has been canceled/postpone due to personal reasons. Please check back later for updates.

delay

2012-01-15T15:01:00.002-05:00

Caught in a slight snag.

homeroom show

2011-11-20T18:10:00.003-05:00

Hope you're enjoying Subtext Gallery's Homeroom show, where each artist was asked to reinterpret a piece of art created from their childhood in their current style. My offering.

HOMEROOM
Exhibition | November 11th – December 11th, 2011
Opening reception | Friday, November 11th, 6-10pm
Digital Catalog/Preview
For this exhibition, the gallery will be open every Saturday from 12-3pm.

P.S. If you're in the Savannah/Richmond Hill, GA area, give Glazer's Pub a try (under new ownership and soon to be LimeLight Bar & Grill in 2012). Best place EVER -- not to mention the greatest people in the world run it...my brothers. Cheers!

richard solomon, artist rep

2011-11-04T21:55:00.003-04:00

Privileged to say, I am now represented by Richard Solomon for illustration purposes.

coming soon

2011-10-30T01:23:00.006-04:00

Limited edition prints of Treading Through an Untrimmed Memory:

P.S. Have a Happy Halloween.

homeroom show

2011-10-23T19:29:00.008-04:00

For Subtext Gallery's Homeroom show in November:
I drew this elf in 6th grade.

And I re-interpreted the same elf (below) a couple of weeks ago.

In Retrospect, acrylic & color pencil, 8.5x11"

Details:

Details of exhibition announced soon.

Beyond Eden

2011-09-29T22:45:00.010-04:00

Opening Reception | Sat, October 1st 6-11PM
also open to the public | Sun, October 2nd Noon-5PM
Preview Available

This weekend is LA's Beyond Eden, a multi-gallery art event. Be on the look out for some of my paintings (I Came Across a Wilting Cognition, It Feels Like a Pallid Empathy, and The Moon Is a Foul Intention) plus other works from Thinkspace, Gallery Nucleus, and Copro Gallery.

And progress for the School Open House show in November:

new web and email address

2011-09-15T00:54:00.010-04:00

I've moved my web address to www.mynameistran.com along with a new email address at mail@mynameistran.com -- do update your bookmarks and enjoy the new layout!

If there are any issues, you may contact me at mail@mynameistran.com.

P.S. Featured in NeverLazy Magazine (pg. 26-34).

impetus

2011-09-07T21:44:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow night is the reception for Impetus, a collection of works curated by Thinkspace Gallery. Head over to the University of Arizona's Joseph Gross Gallery to view paintings by Ekundayo, Brett Amory, and more.

Joseph Gross Gallery at the University of Arizona
1031 N. Olive Road | Tucson, AZ 85721
Reception | Thurs, Sept. 8th 5-6:30PM
On View | Sept. 6th - Nov. 9th, 2011

As for my contribution:

Across the Blue-Billowed Crevice, acrylic & color pencil, 20x28"
(Please contact Thinkspace Gallery for purchasing details)

close-ups:

dragon*con

2011-08-29T23:39:00.027-04:00

I'll be browsing around Dragon*Con in Atlanta, GA this coming weekend. Some of my printed works will be on display in their Art Show (section LB5678A & LB5678B) as well as available open-edition prints in the print shop. Come find me.

P.S. I'm renovating my website so, for now, work samples/updates can be viewed here or on Facebook. Enjoy your Labor Day frolicking!

in-progress

2011-08-20T19:46:00.000-04:00

Progress for the upcoming show at the Joseph Gross Gallery (University of Arizona):

walk-through & closing

2011-08-06T20:29:00.005-04:00

Here's a quick walk-through of my recent painting, Cast Into a Rippled Mentality:

Final:

Close-ups:

By the way, today was the last day to gander at the works from my solo show. Thank you all for the tremendous support. Next up is a group showing at the University of Arizona...

(taken by Thinkspace)

P.S. Additions to my to-do-before-i-die list:

-Attend a TED conference.
-Attend at least one FIFA World Cup match.
-Buy a house in the U.S. and build a house in Vietnam (both for my parents).

hello los angeles

2011-07-22T00:15:00.007-04:00

Thank you very much for your kind support last week -- helped calm my lily-livered nerves.

(photos taken by Thinkspace Gallery)

(pre-show preparations)

(the reception)

(drinking water with David Bray)

( spectators spectating)

For purchasing details please contact Thinkspace Gallery at contact@thinkspacegallery.com or visit the availability list.

Currently on display:

I Came Across a Wilting Cognition
acrylic & color pencil

Framed and matted

18 x 25"46 x 64 cm

Just Another Oscillant Deposition
acrylic & color pencil

Framed and matted

14 x 18" 36 x 46 cm

Cast into a Rippled Mentality
acrylic & color pencil
14 x 18" 36 x 46 cm

When the World Isn't Looking
acylic & color pencil

Framed and matted

12 x 15" 30 x 38 cm

Living Parallel to an Infectious Pigment
acrylic & color pencil

Framed and matted

13 x 17" 33 x 43 cm

The Man with the Occupied Hands
acrylic & color pencil

Framed and matted

12 x 14" 30 x 36 cm

Searching for an Uncharted Hypotenuse
acrylic & color pencil

Framed and matted

12 x 14" 30 x 36 cm

Treading Through An Untrimmed Memory
acrylic & color pencil

Framed and matted

21 x 17.5" 53 x 44 cm

The Diameter of a Dim Endeavor
acrylic & color pencil

Framed and matted

10 x 10" 25 x 25 cm

My Conversation with an Angular Thought
acrylic & color pencil

Framed and matted

10 x 10" 25 x 25 cm

In the Corners of Your Equilateral Mind
acrylic & color pencil

Framed and matted

10 x 10" 25 x 25 cm

The Moon is a Foul Intention
acrylic & graphite

Framed and matted

11 x 14" 28 x 36 cm

Confronted with an Over-exposed Marquee
acrylic & graphite

Framed and matted

11 x 14" 28 x 36 cm

It Feels Like a Pallid Empathy
acrylic & graphite

Framed and matted

11 x 14" 28 x 36 cm

Just Another Oscillant Deposition (Process Sketch)
graphite

Framed and matted

14 x 18" 36 x 46 cm

Living Parallel to an Infectious Pigment (Process Sketch)
graphite

Framed and matted

13 x 17" 33 x 43 cm

Treading Through An Untrimmed Memory (Process Sketch)
acrylic & color pencil

Framed and matted

9.5 x 8" 24 x 20 cm

P.S. I found a new hobby. It's called "planking."

the synapse between here & there

2011-07-12T22:29:00.018-04:00

You are cordially invited to:

THE SYNAPSE BETWEEN HERE & THERE
Opening reception | Saturday, July 16th 5-8pm
Thinkspace Gallery
6009 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232

Exhibition runs from July 16th - August 6th.

The Synapse Between Here and There further develops the concept behind my previous show Nurturing the Uneased Soul. Instead of focusing on the tribulations in life, I'm interested in representing the human mind, in physical form, as it responds to a universal circumstance. By definition, a synapse is “the region at which a nervous impulse passes from one neuron (here) to another (there).” I believe this is where we find the raw and visceral reactions of our psyche. It's the personification of a psychological impulse, with a splash of surrealism and a pint of fantasy.

Also, I had a lovely time answering Erratic Phenomena's interview questions.

I'll see you in California.

P.S. Andrew Hem's Cold Water also opens up this Saturday.

harry potter & such

2011-07-06T23:02:00.014-04:00

Harry Potter Tribute Exhibition
Opening Reception / Jul 9, 7:00PM - 11:00PM
Gallery Nucleus
210 East Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801

Don't forget to dress up this Saturday for Gallery Nucleus's Harry Potter Tribute Show. It's free admission if you show up in costume so come score some freebies (pre-screening tickets to Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows 2) and view my painting in person, A Lovely Luna.

P.S. Some more sneak peeks have been posted.

new release

2011-07-03T22:50:00.005-04:00

Here's another release for my upcoming solo show:
The Man With the Occupied Hands, acrylic & color pencil, 12x14"

Details:

hello massachusetts

2011-06-22T23:29:00.002-04:00

Thanks for making the 2011 Illustration Master Class a cherishable one:
(photos taken by Irene Gallo)

(class of 2011)

(in studio 201)

(w/ Greg Manchess & Scott Fischer)

(Iain McCaig's demo)

And another look into The Synapse Between Here and There:

Check out the rest of the progress photos here.

IMC

2011-06-09T22:38:00.005-04:00

I'm heading to Massachusetts for the Illustration Master Class. See you soon.

In the meantime, here's a sneak peek of my upcoming solo show:

tribute show

2011-06-07T20:41:00.008-04:00

Gallery Nucleus asked me to contribute a painting to their Harry Potter Tribute Show in July. They are hosting an exhibition to commemorate the release of the 2nd half of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows. I greatly admire J.K. Rowling's work as well as her eccentric character, Luna:

A Lovely Luna, acrylic & color pencil, 8x10"

framed:

nyc & barcelona

2011-05-06T23:20:00.011-04:00

Hope you caught the opening reception for the Society of Illustrators NY Student exhibition earlier today. I have two older pieces in the show.

Art by Victo Ngai

Museum of American Illustration
128 East 63rd Street
New York, NY 10065
Exhibition: May 4th - 27th

If not and you happen to be in Spain, you should check out the Post It Show: Barcelona which will be running from today till the 31st.

Atticus Gallery
C/LLedo 10, 08002. Barcelona
Opening Party - May 5th, 2011
Exhibition: May 5th -31st

My contribution for the show:
Blue is Not Your Color, acrylic and marker on 4 Post-it notes, 6x6"

coming this july

2011-05-04T01:04:00.009-04:00

Solo Exhibition
The Synapse Between Here and There

Featuring recent works including:
Treading Through an Untrimmed Memory, acrylic & color pencil, 21 x 17.5"

Close Up:

P.S. My gratitude goes to Steven Carell (The Office) for 7 years of comedic brilliance.

upcoming shows

2011-04-11T16:52:00.006-04:00

A tentative line-up of upcoming exhibitions:

May
5th | Post-It Barcelona -- Atticusbcn Gallery, Barcelona, Spain
6th | Society of Illustrators exhibition -- Museum of American Illustration, New York, NY

July
9th | A Tribute to Harry Potter -- Gallery Nucleus, Alhambra, CA
16th | TBA (Solo Show) -- Thinkspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

September
5th | TBA -- Joseph Gross Gallery at University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ

...and more...

In case you were born yesterday, the Spectrum 18 artist list is up.

just experimenting

2011-03-23T20:50:00.008-04:00

I had some spare time so I figured I'd experiment with abstract shapes:

Study 01, acrylic & color pencil on paper

Also, a couple of my older works were recently accepted into the Society of Illustators New York Student Competition. It received the Nancy Lee Rhodes Roberts Award and a scholarship to attend this year's Illustration Master Class in Massachusetts. A herd of elephant's worth of GRATITUDE to the Society and SCAD for, again, providing me with all of these opportunities.

about the silence...

2011-03-04T22:31:00.002-05:00

...still working on those 15+ paintings.

In the meantime, I've conformed by starting up an official Facebook page. You're very welcome to jump on the bandwagon.

my workspace and work

2011-01-29T11:56:00.006-05:00

The workspace:

The work-in-progress:

Have a nice day.

birthday post

2011-01-14T22:20:00.015-05:00

One of my older paintings, Our Flutter-some Ordeal, recently received the gold award and Phil Hayes Scholarship for the 49th Illustration West Competition, sponsored by the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles. A beluga thank-you to the SCAD illustration department for their helping hand. Thanks so much, professors!

49th Annual Illustration West Exhibition
Gallery Nucleus
210 East Main St, Alhambra CA 91801
Opening Reception / Jan 21, 7:00PM - 10:00PM

There's going to be an exhibition at Gallery Nucleus to showcase the selected works, including a framed print of Our Flutter-some Ordeal for sale (original is unavailable). The reception will be held this Friday. Come on by if you're in the West Coast.

P.S. I'm a year older and still kicking. Thanks for the kind birthday wishes, everyone.

something to think about

2011-01-05T14:52:00.011-05:00

...I came across a debonair fox and his fanciful monocle. He took me by the hand and said, "Come, come, help my friend whose bulbous head is stuck in a tree-hole."

Ducking, turning, twisting, churning, we came upon the peculiar girl and her peculiar situation. "Save me!" she exclaimed. Feeble and helpless, I refrained from answering. Then, I noticed yet another odd, beak-nosed boy. He quacked and tracked and urged me to help his friend. "But I am just a frail mind," I told the boy. Then suddenly, the boy and the fox turned their unusual bodies toward me and their eyes began to pierce my soul...I stood still, trying to hold on to a relapsed sanity...

(WIP)

happy holidays

2010-12-27T00:35:00.009-05:00

I hope you had a festive Christmas/Hanukkah.

I finally got my hands on the event photos from my Vancouver trip:
(Certain photos taken by CGmovement)

to Vancouver, B.C.

the cityscape

Anomaly begins

Jason Stokes & Horia Dociu present

my demo in progress

Craig Mullins's lecture

with other artists and staff members

new print

2010-12-18T17:54:00.008-05:00

A new limited edition print is available for online purchasing as of today. Thanks so much for your kind support.

And Our World Came Tumbling After
13×17" on Museo Portfolio Rag paper
Edition of 40 Giclee Prints (+3 APs / 1 PP)
Hand-signed and numbered
$70
Order here

Also, my print store is now up and running with new originals/prints available. Take a gander if you have the time.

new print, spectrum, and such

2010-12-05T14:45:00.017-05:00

Thinkspace Gallery and I are running limited edition prints of And Our World Came Tumbling After. It'll be available for online purchasing this weekend, which I will do a separate post for. Also, many apologies for my print store's inadequacy. It'll be up and running real soon.

The new Spectrum book is out. So many stunning entries, such from Donato Giancola, Bill Carmen, and Greg Manchess. I was lucky enough to get one in.

And more ideas that I may further:

P.S. Tron, the movie, looks pretty nifty. You should go see it.

new ideas

2010-11-20T18:14:00.005-05:00

A bit late, but thank you to everyone in Vancouver for their hospitality -- really enjoyed my visit. The event photos aren't uploaded yet so hopefully they'll be ready by my next post.

For anyone who's interested in how I come up with (most of the) titles for my paintings, below is a concise explanation:

(Taken from an installation at Art Basel 2009)

And some ideas I'm currently working on:

thinkspace anniversary show

2010-11-06T16:31:00.009-04:00

Just a reminder -- tonight is the opening for Thinkspace's 5 Year Anniversary Show.

Thinkspace Gallery
6009 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
Saturday, Nov. 6th, 7-10pm

Come check out paintings from a comprehensive list of artists that Thinkspace has worked with including Esao Andrews, Audrey Kawasaki, and Aaron Nagel. You can preview my contribution, As We Procure A Hazy Memory, as well as the rest, here.

And I'm back from Vancouver/Anomaly H2O (more info in my next posting).

happy halloween

2010-10-24T20:14:00.010-04:00

I recently finished my contribution for the Thinkspace Anniversary Show in November:

As We Procure a Hazy Memory, acrylic and color pencil, 11x13"(img size)

(Sometimes, memories buried too deep are never truly procured. Thus, continues to wander in our minds as a faint, nebulous entity.)

Detail:

And many thanks to ImagineFX for giving me a double-page spread in their issue #62:

P.S. Have a Happy Halloween and see you in Canada.

anomaly h20

2010-10-14T01:37:00.007-04:00

(poster by Anna Fehr)
Vancouver Aquarium
845 Avison Way/Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
Saturday, October 30th, 2010
(purchase tickets here)

In a couple of weeks, I will be participating in Anomaly H20 as a guest artist --"a fusion of an art workshop and party that brings 2D/3D artists together." Along with other featured artists/speakers, such as Craig Mullins and Thomas Scholes (and more), we'll be available for chit chat so stop by if you're in the neighborhood.

Other than that, still working on the 5+ paintings.

a little tease

2010-10-03T19:38:00.017-04:00

Snippet for next month's show:

I've been dabbling with some quick digital portraits to take a break from the traditional work. A little rusty as you can see.

Also, I recently had the pleasure of meeting Gregory, from athousandstories, to do an in-person interview. Our conversation on school, Georgia, and art can be found here.

i'm still here

2010-09-18T17:58:00.008-04:00

Sorry for the huge gap in updates this past month. I'm currently working on 5 paintings -- one for the group show in November and the rest for the solo next year.

Aside from that, I've been invited to be part of Anomaly in Vancouver, Canada. More info in October.

Also, I've been making frequent visits to ted.com for its reservoir of fascinating talks/lectures. The organization features speakers that I'd recommend listening to such as brain researcher, Jillian Talyor, and writer, Elizabeth Gilbert. Ideas that are worth spreading.

hello new york

2010-08-16T16:33:00.013-04:00

It's been a while since my last visit to the Big Apple. Here are the other two paintings, currently exhibited at the Jonathan Levine Gallery (purchasing details):

Sleeping With a Constellation, acrylic & color pencil on paper, 16x20"
Process:

Final:

Details:

When You Leave Behind a Fragmented Memory, acrylic & color pencil on paper, 12x16"

Details:

jonathan levine exhibition

2010-08-02T22:20:00.008-04:00

This Wednesday, the 4th, is the opening for Jonathan Levine Gallery's Annual Summer Invitational Show. I will be in New York City for the event and would love some company so please drop by for your daily dose of art. Below is 1 of my 3 contributions:

If the World Keeps Churning, Turning - acrylic & color pencil, 13x16"
(Life is an intentional leap through a breath of accidents.)

Details:

See you in the Big Apple.

i got the scholarship

2010-07-29T22:24:00.006-04:00

Thank you to everyone that voted for me to receive the Illustration Academy scholarship. I didn't think I had such an amazingly supportive online community and for that, I thank you.

I'm sending you all a complimentary booty-bump via snail mail...keep an eye on your mailman.

August line-up

2010-07-25T16:49:00.019-04:00

I'm participating in 2 shows for the month of August -- Summer Annual at Jonathan Levine Gallery and Love Conquers All at Thinkspace Gallery. Unfortunately, I won't make it out to the Thinkspace show but will be present for the Levine opening.

My contribution to Love Conquers All on Saturday, August 7th, in LA:

How Cloudy is an Overcasted Psyche, acrylic & graphite, 8x10"
(A clouded mind is a feeble mind --no better than its master but no worse than its ignorance.)

Detail:

More info/previews on the Levine paintings so drop by later in the week.

can i have your vote?

2010-07-13T03:26:00.011-04:00

The Illustration Academy is giving away a full scholarship to the entry with the highest vote. If you have free time to spare, I'd really appreciate it if you could vote for my submission or whoever you deem worthy of the scholarship. (Voting process open from 15-19th of July).

To vote, you can click on the blue button on the right-hand side of my submission. Please note that in order to follow through with the vote, TalentHouse.com will ask to allow it to do certain services. Don't feel like you're obligated to vote if you don't want it/to.

Thanks so very much, everyone.

Also, there are only a few prints of What the World Doesn't Know left in case you're still interested. More purchasing info, here.

some more WIP

2010-07-03T01:39:00.008-04:00

I'm simultaneously working on several paintings. Here are some works-in-progress:

P.S. Don't forget, the FIFA World Cup finale is this Sunday.

england exhibition

2010-06-11T22:19:00.012-04:00

London Miles Gallery
242 Acklam Rd. Westbourne Studios.
W10 5JJ. London UK
online catalog

Tonight is the reception for the grand U.K. show at the London Miles Gallery. The exhibition will feature works catering to the 12x12" format. My contribution:

Drowning in a Sea of Uncertainties, acrylic & color pencil, 12x12"
(Nothing's more frightening than the unknown depths of obscurity.)

Details:

prints & WIP

2010-06-09T10:12:00.006-04:00

The new prints are officially on sale. You can order them via Thinkspace Gallery at their online store.

What The World Doesn't Know
Edition of 20 (plus 3APs + 1PP)
Hand-signed and numbered by me
Giclee print on Museo Portfolio Rag paper
14x18" (unframed)
$60

I thank you.

And my current work-in-progress.

P.S. In case it slipped your mind, the 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off this Friday.

my favs & artwalk

2010-06-01T18:17:00.001-04:00

Art-related Recommendations

Brush: Escoda - A bit on the expensive side but well-worth your money.

Paper: Rives BFK, Stonehenge, & Arches

Acrylic paint: Golden & Liquitex - Artist grade paint, I'm sure we can agree to this consensus.

Marker/Color Pencil: Prismacolor

Back Pain Aid: Olay Multi-vitamins (if you're female) - I'm sure you get those chronic back pains from crouching over the drafting table so much. Take vitamins. It'll do you good in the long run.

Inspirational Film: Any Hayao Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli) Film

Also, don't forget that the Culver City Artwalk is this coming Saturday featuring works from artists such as Kelly Vivanco, Jacub Gagnon, Stella Im Hultberg, and me.

P.S. To the SCAD graduates of '10...congratulations.

(w/ the newly grads)

(w/ fellow alumnus Michael Luckhardt)

(the happy jump)

soon: new print

2010-05-25T22:40:00.013-04:00

Teaming up with Thinkspace, we'll be running limited edition prints of What the World Doesn't Know. It should be available within the next month so if you would like to snag a spot, email Andrew at contact@thinkspacegallery.com.

Lately, I've been experimenting a lot with motifs like billowing fabrics and feathers. It's essential to continue your technical skills so with each painting, I try something new whether it's a different base color, composition, or motif. Currently, I'm figuring out how to control my values to render porcelain-like skin tones:

P.S. I started pursuing art some-teen years ago, started this blog a year and a half ago, and have been working professionally for the past year. So to those who believed/believing in me, I just want to say...

...and +5 to your HP/MP.

site update & show schedule

2010-05-15T17:12:00.022-04:00

Finally, the renovations for trannguyen.org are done and I've also decided to complement it with a new blog design (as you can see). Please let me know if you have any issues/suggestions/concerns about the website or blog design. Thanks so much, everyone!

As for future shows, here's a tentative line-up:

June
5th | Picks of the Harvest: Art Walk, Los Angeles, CA
11th | The Next Generation -- London Miles Gallery, London, U.K.

August
4th | TBA -- Jonathan Levine Gallery, New York, NY
6th | Love Conquers All: Art For Equality -- Thinkspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

November
5th | 5 Year Anniversary -- Thinkspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

December
2nd | Art Basel, Miami, FL

July 2011
TBA | TBA -- Thinkspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA (solo show)

I'll do a detailed post on each show as they grow closer in time.

finished and unfinished

2010-04-23T18:52:00.009-04:00

A painting for a certain couple's anniversary. I hope you two have many, many more.

The next show I'll be participating in is the group exhibition at the London Miles Gallery, England. Below is a snippet of my contribution.

This one is still in its preliminary stage (apart from the show above). Painting this will be interesting.

happy birthday, dad

2010-04-13T18:33:00.002-04:00

To the most selfless, hard-working old man I've ever met.

sold out

2010-04-02T16:56:00.003-04:00

Thank you oh-so very much for the overwhelming support of my first solo. You guys are the soy sauce in my rice.

A closer look at one of the paintings -- And Our World Came Tumbling After, 12"x16," acrylic & color pencil

Final:

On a side note, I've been listening to podcasts on the subjects of art therapy, artists interviews, and psychology. Some terrific conversations about art therapy can be found over at PsycTalk360. For artist interviews, venture to SideBar Nation. If you've found any on artist therapist, Bruce L. Moon, please do care to share with me.

Oh, and the new Spectrum artist list is up -- I got one entry in. As always, there's an array of notable artists included in the book so keep a wary eye.

P.S. I've been playing Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for the past 8 years....whatever happened to MvC3?

a walk-through

2010-03-21T18:15:00.019-04:00

A quick walk-through of one of my newer paintings, Parting From Your Wayward Heart.

Final:

P.S. I am...

-partially deaf
-vertically challenged
-suffer from a slight optical deficiency
-have super-fugly midget thumbs
-an incompetent cook
-atrociously dorky
-have an adolescent's pubertal voice
-just plain weird

...yet, my family still loves me. I must be doing something right.

LA reception

2010-03-17T04:55:00.024-04:00

A kabagillion THANK YOU's to everyone that opted out of their busy schedule last Friday to check out my show. The response was way more than I expected so thank you guys so very much for rocking my socks.

You can view the body of work still on display at Thinkspace Gallery. For a better understanding of the paintings, read the interview I did with them. Other coverages can be found over at dailyDuJour and Arrested Motion.

(photos courtesy of dailyDuJour & Thinkspace)

(w/ Andrew Hosner, Kat, Nathan Deyoung, Andrew Hem, & Eric Fortune)

(friends from back home)

(w/ Nathan Deyoung)

if you have photos, you can send it to mail@trannguyen.org

P.S. For the time being, my website is undergoing intensive physical therapy so you'll have to visit my flickr for work samples.

nurturing the uneased soul

2010-03-09T16:06:00.006-05:00

I would like to sincerely invite you.
(preview)

juxtapoz interview

2010-03-04T10:47:00.005-05:00

I answered a quick set of "Back Talk" questions with Juxtapoz for my upcoming show, here. Thanks Juxtapoz.

P.S. Alice in Wonderland...Friday...happy...go...yay!

almost done

2010-02-26T07:25:00.004-05:00

Months of work are coming together:

so close

2010-02-22T06:23:00.003-05:00

More sneak peeks of the show here.

P.S. I freaking LOVE Escoda brushes.

upcoming show

2010-02-05T03:21:00.005-05:00

What the World Doesn't Know, 16"x12," acrylic and color pencils

I'll be exhibiting at Thinkspace's project room in March while Armsrock and Imminent Disaster collaborate on an installation in the main room. You can check out preview photos of the show here. Getting pumped!

P.S. I think the world is a wondrous place filled with those certain somethings. When searching for that something, you're at your heart's content. Can't say I've found mine and I hope I never do. In hoping that you don' t either... happy searching.

march deadline

2010-01-26T05:44:00.001-05:00

playful extremities

2010-01-12T10:11:00.008-05:00

Don't forget to mark your calender for Saturday's show at Giant Robot New York. The show, Playful Extremities, will feature new works from Louise Chen, Hellen Jo, Sara Antoinette Martin, Sylvia Park, and myself. I'll be contributing 3 paintings - Live for the Sake of Your Soul, Do Not Breathe in the Moon, and Thank You but No Thank You. Any support would be greatly appreciated!

Mark also wrote a brief about my work saying it "has a faded, antique look, but the subjects are timeless. The Savannah, GA-based artist depicts young, beautiful subjects in dark settings--surrounded by melancholy and/or ectoplasm, if not actually emitting them from their pores. The effect is strangely hypnotic and hauntingly beautiful." Rad!

P.S. I've been captivated by Haruki Murakami's writing. Check out this mesmerizing excerpt taken from his novel, Sputnik Sweetheart. Of course, my favorite of all --always-- are the writings of Bruce Moon.

for giant robot ny

2010-01-08T07:04:00.010-05:00

I'm looking forward to the GRNY group show that's coming up next weekend, Jan. 16th. Below are two of the three paintings.

Do Not Breathe in the Moon, 16"x20," acrylics and color pencil
(Got to work on this one alongside Sam Connelly)

(stole these from Sam's blog)

Final:

Thank You but No Thank You, 18"x24," acrylics and color pencil

new year's

2010-01-04T00:00:00.003-05:00

I had a fusional New Year. What about you guys?

a cry for help

2009-12-30T01:02:00.006-05:00

sneak peek available here

January 8th is the reception for Thinkspace Gallery's special exhibit, A Cry for Help (7-11pm, exhibition runs till Feb. 5th). This benefit show will feature work from over 100 artists including Wesley Burt, Kris Lewis, and Andrew Hem. 20% of the total sales will be donated to Born Free USA and Animal Protection Institution, which are non-profit organizations aimed to advocate the protection of animals. Thinkspace will also be hosting animal adoptions and special talks during the reception.

I'm contributing my Coming Apart But We're Falling Together piece to this event. Come and be an advocate!

Oh, and I hope you have an awesome New Year's!!!

things other than work

2009-12-19T19:00:00.017-05:00

Things to learn that's on my to-do-before-i-die list:

-play the violin
-break dance or ballroom dancing
-archery
-fluently speak a third language
-cook edible food

Things I do on my spare time:

chill (w/ industrial designer Michelle Om)

sleep

chase squirrels

live for the sake of your soul...

2009-12-14T18:27:00.010-05:00

... because doing otherwise would be irreverent. And if we don't, it will slowly but surely dissipate from our body, leaving a vacant shell bare of existential aesthetics. If you've no family or friends worth living for, then live for the sake of your soul.

Live for the Sake of Your Soul, 12"x16," acrylics & color pencils

Final:

new painting & originals for sale

2009-12-11T20:50:00.017-05:00

Sometimes, people warily subject themselves to malignant temperaments that spread throughout their bodies like cancer. With apathetic dispositions, they let it corrode their psyches -- slowly but eventually. It's repulsive, shameful, foul, but we all share this prevalent disease. In a desolate and unaccompanied manner, we tear ourselves apart, but fortunately, there's always someone falling beside us...and life isn't so tough anymore.

"Everything will be okay." - Unknown

Coming Apart But We're Falling Together, 14"x20," acrylics & color pencils
(Will be showcased at Thinkspace's A Cry for Help show in January)

Final:

I've updated my store as well. Below are the originals for sale. Please contact Andrew Hosner at contact@sourharvest.com for purchasing details. Thank you very much!

We Vomit Carcasses of Unattended Thoughts
acrylics & color pencils (framed)
14"x20"
$1,100

When Red Days Settle in Blue Hours
acrylics & color pencils (framed)
14"x20"
$1,100

To the 9, We Will Go
acrylics & color pencils (framed)
11"x15.5"
$800

To His Content and My Demise
acrylics & color pencils (framed)
12.5"x17"
$1,000

Yoke
acrylics & color pencils (framed)
12"x15"
$800

painting process & art basel miami

2009-12-07T01:36:00.016-05:00

I've promised to some that I would explain my painting process in details but have neglected to do so. My deepest apologies. Hopefully this post will atone for my estranged commitment.

Painting with acrylics (preferably Golden or Liquitex) can achieve an array of impressions because of its versatility. Personally, my acrylics are heavily diluted in which values are achieved through thin glazes. I treat it as if it were watercolor. Reasons why I prefer acrylics is because of its permanence and opacity. Watercolor has a tendency to fade when subjected to further glazing. When noodling out the details, I use color pencils (I'm partial to Prismacolor brands). Most of my paintings are executed on Rives BFK - the back side with the linen-like texture. I've experienced on a variety of papers including Stonehenge, watercolor, illustration board, canvas, and I'd recommend doing the same to find a surface most suitable for your own painting demeanor.

When starting a painting, I tone the paper with a mid-value sepia. Once it's dry, the sketch is transferred via light table. To make sure the sketch doesn't smear I use Sureguard to fix it. Remember that fixative is insanely hazardous - may cause cancer, deformed babies, a third appendage, so on. Usually, I'll hold my breath as I spray then sprint to the next yard over to avoid the leftover fumes, or you can buy a secured face mask ... I'm too cheap to purchase one. Also note that you should only spray sparingly because thick coats of Sureguard will repel water-based media.

Once it's dry, flat washes are laid to clarify the general forms. After the basic shapes are overlaid, I'll start adding in value with more glazes. The color pencils are applied when I'm noodling out fine details. If you've ever worked with Rives BFK you'll notice that it tends to soften when subjected to water. When this happens, I'll fix it again to give the paper some surface teeth. This process is repeated, alternating from acrylics to color pencils, until I'm satisfied with the outcome. It's a tedious process but can beget tremendous subtlety.

Oh, and I just got back from Art Basel which was a riveting galore of contemporary innovation. Recap below.

(Dave D' Incau, Lyle Nagy, and I)

(Aqua Art Reception)

(mural by Antistrot and its spectators)

(sharing wall space)

meet me in miami

2009-11-28T22:37:00.006-05:00

This coming weekend is the gigantic contemporary art fair in Miami, FL - Aqua Art (Wynwood) & Art Basel (South Beach). Two of my recent paintings will be showcased at Aqua Art in the Thinkspace Booth #25. Above is the line-up for the artists who's also a part of Futurity. I'll be present during these events so drop by and say hello! Always happy to meet you.

I recently chatted with Eric Nakamura, publisher of Giant Robot Magazine, about the previously mentioned GR group show. I'll be committing 3 paintings for the event, which will be set in January at GRNY, along with five other contributing artists. More info coming soon.

Till then, enjoy my random doodle:

sneak peek

2009-11-21T11:41:00.009-05:00

What I've been up to these days:

Live for the Sake of Your Soul

Thank You, But No Thank You

Do Not Breathe in the Moon

(Untitled)

Recommended Reads
-Art as Medicine by Shaun McNiff (if you're into art therapy/psychotherapeutic philosophies)
-PostSecret by Frank Warren (if you need inspiration in life)

busy is the month of november

2009-11-17T22:35:00.007-05:00

November's been an eventful month for me. Via conceptart.org, my portfolio was reviewed by Jon Foster and Carl Dobsky who are impeccable artists as well as critics. Many thanks to them and to Chris Lee who financed the tuition for my review. I owe you my soul, Chris.

This past weekend was the reception for three charity events:

Tata Gala in Sarasota, FL

Juxtapoz 15th Anniversary Auction in LA

ArtBox in LA

(photos coming soon)

Other than that, I've been indoors, sleeping till sunset then painting till sunrise - yes, I'm aware that it's cancerous to be nocturnal. But hey, it's getting me 200+ blog followers. Thanks everyone.

happy weenie day

2009-10-31T18:36:00.002-04:00

I finished painting We Vomit Carcasses of Unattended Thoughts just yesterday. I guess you could say it's an allegorical representation of the phrase "spilling your guts out." 14"x20" acrylics and color pencils on Rives BFK paper. This, along with When Red Days..., will be sold at Aqua Art Miami.

Oh, and Happy-Weenie Day you all!

Final:

buy me

2009-10-27T23:36:00.013-04:00

I've finally opened up a shop to sell some prints and originals (here). Only a couple of works (Our Flutter-some Ordeal and For the Lost and Unfound) are available for printing and currently no originals at the time, but do keep a wary eye. The sales are open to international shipping and can be made via email (mail@trannguyen.org). Prints of other works may be available through personal inquiries. All proceeds will go toward financing my relocation to California....good cause, no?

If Only There was Sulphur in Dreams is framed and ready to ship for the boobies exhibition. Hella yeah!

post - eden fair

2009-10-20T15:28:00.016-04:00

Unfortunately, I didn't get to attend the Beyond Eden Art Fair (photos) and from what I hear, the turnout was extraordinary - over 6,000 spectators. Out of my three contributions, Our Flutter-some Ordeal was purchased by a very kind buyer whom I'm so grateful to, and the other two will be re-showcased at the ArtBox. The ArtBox is an art exhibition in which 25% of the benefits will go towards the Heal The Bay Foundation of southern California. It's scheduled on Nov. 13th (the day before the Tata Gala) at:

BOXeight studios
1446 E. Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90021

The gallery space is absolutely phenomenal, kind of like some of the historical buildings here in Savannah.

Speaking of Savannah, Director Robert Redford has been filming The Conspirator, starring James McAvoy (Atonement), about a block from my apartment. I took this photo around 4am while coming home from work. Apparently, they closed off the square to shoot a climatic scene with the help of some epic lighting, artificial fog, and I think I saw a cow there too (random)? It'd be pretty nifty if I was able to shadow the production crew and see all the behind-the-scene, cinematic process...or meet James.

if only there was sulphur in dreams

2009-10-18T16:05:00.008-04:00

This painting is probably the largest I've done this past year - 16"x20," acrylics and color pencils on Rives BFK. I think it took about the span of a week to finish.

If Only There was Sulphur in Dreams will be showcased at the Tata Gala exhibition in Sarasota, Florida, on November 14th. The event will be advocating breast cancer awareness, in which proceeds will go towards the Susan G. Komen Foundation. I'm hoping to be there in person but from the looks of things, I may miss out. But if you're in the Sarasota area, please come share the love for some amazing artists including Francis Vallejo, Erik Jones, Nathan Fox, and many more.

Final:

Aside from that, I've been invited by Thinkspace Gallery to partake in Aqua Art Miami in December. I'm especially looking forward to this since it's concurrent with Art Basel Miami Beach, and I'll hopefully have a chance to meet Joao Ruas, Nathan DeYoung, Scott Radke, and so on. I've also been invited to do a group show in New York with Giant Robot but that's still in its obscurity. I'll update as soon as it's confirmed.

Also, I watched Where the Wild Things Are the other day and it was like frolicking in a field of visual bliss...I felt damn awesome.

pre - eden fair

2009-10-09T22:29:00.007-04:00

I'll be showcasing some of my newer paintings along side Thinkspace Gallery at the Beyond Eden Art Fair this weekend in Los Angeles, CA. The event will be held in the LA Municipal Gallery at Barnsdall Park, featuring works from other galleries (of course, Thinkspace) such as Nucleus, Copro, and many more. Some pre-show snapshots:

(photos courtesy of Thinkspace Gallery)

when red days settle in blue hours

2009-10-04T19:30:00.010-04:00

The following is When Red Days Settle in Blue Hours. 20" x 14" acrylic on Rives BFK paper. (I don't have my high res. camera and had to record with my phone's...which sucks)

Process:

Final:

doodle of the day

2009-09-27T13:03:00.002-04:00

stolen bike

2009-09-21T22:17:00.004-04:00

So if you're currently living in the Savannah-Chatham area and you happen to see the bike listed below (stock photo), a notification would be dearly appreciated. Though it's an inexpensive bicycle, there's a lot of sentimental value in it. I'm almost certain that retrieving it would be improbable but I figured I'd give it a try anyways.

Details:
Next 24" Boys' Power Climber Bike - Frame type: Mountain, Frame material: Steel, Suspension: Dual Suspension, Tires: 24" Black

back in savannah

2009-09-18T17:25:00.015-04:00

I recently finished a commission for a client in France, who I have to overtly say was a pleasure to work with. If every one of my clientele were as cordial as she was, I think I'd have the best job ever...not that I don't already. Sorry for the bad quality in some of the photos.

Final:

In other news, a collector generously bought my set of Frog Prince illustrations shown below. I do greatly appreciate his support.

And a friend notified me about the publication of my work in the 2009-10 SCAD catalog (special thanks to Professor Drummond for the recommendation).

juxtapoz charity event

2009-09-12T19:41:00.009-04:00

This coming November 9-19th is the Juxtapoz 15th Anniversary Art Auction, which is a charity benefit presented by Upper Playground in collaboration with Power House Project of Detroit. It's an online art auction in which the proceeds will help renovate/purchase abandon houses in Detroit. I donated my "Furiae" painting for the event. Along with other contributors are Todd Schorr, David Choe, Sarah Joncas, Catherine Brooks, Jon English, Swoon, Clayton Brothers, James Jean (one of my favorites), and many more.

It's nice to know we can give back by doodling.

busy-body

2009-08-26T19:38:00.015-04:00

I've been quite the busy-body this past week - concluding my studies at SCAD, private commissions (crucial for paying rent), packaging work, solidifying my obscure post-graduation plans...

Also, I'm smothering myself with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as well as revisiting Moon's Art and Soul: Reflections on an Artistic Psychology. Two exquisite doses for summer reading.

Earlier in the week, I had quite the scare. An unwary driver nearly sandwiched me during a bike ride into town. While my heart heavily pulsated, I managed to thrust myself forward by kicking off of her tire right before the tapering gap between her SUV and a parked car closed in. I was a tad bit irritated, but she fervently apologized which dismissed my anger.

On the brighter side, the dismantling of my dental armor has finally taken place *yippy*:

recent commission

2009-08-13T14:22:00.006-04:00

I recently did a portraiture of the client's cats as a private commission:

my reference wall:

On a side note, please do indulge yourself with the stunning trailer for Where the Wild Things Are.

to his content and my demise

2009-08-06T18:02:00.009-04:00

This is the last of my current series - "death." An allegorical representation of death for those who are either reluctant, accepting, or embracing to its terms. I had some difficulties working with this one due to the numerous layers of Verithins and fixative. It worked out in the end. **does happy dance**

Process Shots:

Final:

To the 9, We Will Go

2009-08-02T15:09:00.004-04:00

Two down, one to go. The following is my "rebirth" piece. It's roughly 11"x15.5" in size. Same old technique - acrylic washes, Verithin Prisma-Colors, and gesso. Ha-zaa!!!

Misc shots:

Final:

our flutter-some ordeal

2009-08-02T15:00:00.004-04:00

I finally finished the "maturity" piece. It's approximately 12.5" x 17," done with acrylic washes, Prisma-Color Verithin pencils, and gesso.

Process shots:

Final:

progress previews

2009-07-25T03:57:00.000-04:00

I'm almost done with three of my illustrations focusing on the sequences of one's personage.

Our Flutter-some Ordeal

To the 9, We Will Go

To His Content and My Demise

LA in october

2009-07-24T18:17:00.000-04:00

I'm prepping myself for California:

death sketch

2009-07-14T22:47:00.000-04:00

Preliminary for To His Content And My Demise (death):

rebirth sketch

2009-07-14T01:21:00.000-04:00

Preliminary for To the 9, We Will Go (Rebirth):

process shot

2009-07-12T00:22:00.000-04:00

Process shot of Our Flutter-some Ordeal:

just a thought

2009-07-02T15:49:00.001-04:00

I think I'll go to California.

new series

2009-07-02T09:28:00.000-04:00

I'm currently working on a small series of illustrations focusing on the several stages of life: birth, innocence, maturity, death, and/or rebirth. Below is a tight sketch of maturity:

magazine publications

2009-07-01T17:36:00.001-04:00

Here are a couple of magazines that were kind enough to feature my work in the past few months. I did an interview with Idea Illustrator magazine but unfortunately, it's not in English.

Idea Illustrator

Creative Quarterly 14

Creative Quarterly 15

CMYK #43

back talk at Juxtapoz

2009-06-21T11:08:00.002-04:00

Juxtapoz asked me 20 questions. Here are my answers for "Back Talk with Tran Nguyen."

juxtapoz

2009-06-17T19:26:00.001-04:00

Juxtapoz Magazine did a couple of features for the June Thinkspace show which is still up till later this month. They did a quick overview as well as a small cover on my work.

Special thanks to Kelly for taking this photo for me.

culver city invasion

2009-06-17T19:18:00.000-04:00

Culver City Invasion recently occurred this past month which was hugely successful. My Wrath In Disguise piece was exhibited at the event.

newest piece

2009-06-11T18:53:00.000-04:00

Process photos for my most recent piece Nurturing a Shoveled Mind.

graduation

2009-06-11T18:34:00.001-04:00

I pseudo-graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design...that means they still have my diploma.

thinkspace show

2009-06-11T18:11:00.001-04:00

The specs of the Thinkspace show is finally up and will be opening tomorrow night. Pre-sales have already occurred and apparently, one of my work was bought. O happy day.

My interview with the gallery can be viewed here. Hope you all can come out to see mine as well as Sarah and Kelly's work.

my back hurts

2009-05-27T03:03:00.000-04:00

Cassherin character sheet:

more revamping

2009-05-24T16:41:00.001-04:00

I'm also revamping my character, Cassherin. I'm currently working on the character sheet so more to come.