The Lacquer Painting Technique and Creative Workshop, organised by the Fine Arts Sub-Association under the Provincial Association of Literature and Arts, is being held from July 18 to July 27 in Pleiku Ward.
The programme is led by veteran lacquer artist Trần Lãng from Hanoi alongside Gia Lai artist Hồ Thị Xuân Thu, who are providing hands-on instruction to participants from both the eastern and western parts of the province.
For many attendees, the workshop marks their first experience with lacquer painting, a medium renowned for its intricate, time-intensive process.
Each artwork is built through multiple layers of colour and materials before undergoing repeated polishing, gradually revealing visual effects that cannot be fully anticipated during the painting stage.
The demanding nature of lacquer painting has fostered a focused atmosphere throughout the workshop. Participants begin practising immediately after receiving guidance on every stage of the process, from sketching and outlining to colour application, eggshell inlay, gold and silver leaf decoration, and colour harmonisation.
Trần Lãng works closely with each artist, providing detailed instruction while tailoring his feedback to individual strengths. Alongside technical advice, he encourages participants by recognising their progress in colour selection, composition and artistic concepts.
Sculptor Lê Trọng Nghĩa, head of the Fine Arts Sub-Association, said the workshop was created not only to satisfy members' creative interests but also to give him the opportunity to experience lacquer painting personally.
He described the medium as rewarding because its final beauty only emerges during polishing, requiring artists to carefully plan each layer while accepting that unexpected effects are part of the creative process.
"Lacquer also teaches patience, as you nurture your emotions day by day rather than seeing immediate results," Nghĩa said, adding that he hopes to incorporate lacquer techniques into his future sculpture projects.
This is the first time a lacquer painting technique and creative workshop has been held in our province. I am confident that, under the guidance of artists Trần Lãng and Hồ Thị Xuân Thu, the passion of the participants, and the creative inspiration drawn from our rich, unified cultural landscape, Gia Lai’s fine arts scene will see significant growth.
Artist Nguyễn Xuân Quang, who is creating a work inspired by Bình Định classical opera, said he normally works with acrylic paint and is experimenting with lacquer for the first time. He believes the elegance of the medium complements traditional cultural themes and said the workshop had introduced him to techniques he hopes to continue developing in the future.
Artist Nguyễn Thị Hòa Hiệp is producing a lacquer painting depicting a corner of Minh Thành Pagoda, a well-known landmark in Gia Lai. She said one of the workshop's greatest benefits has been the willingness of experienced artists to share knowledge accumulated over many years.
According to Hiệp, she has learned that every composition requires its own technical approach, making it valuable to observe not only her own work but also the guidance provided to fellow participants.
The workshop has also attracted artists with previous experience in lacquer painting. Artist Nguyễn Nguyên Bút said she had been introduced to new techniques that would allow her to create richer visual effects and greater depth in future works.
Trần Lãng said he joined the programme because he recognised both the enthusiasm and distinctive artistic identity of Gia Lai's painters. He said his aim was to share techniques that would help participants achieve stronger artistic results while inspiring continued development.
"The goal is not to help one person paint better than another, but for each individual to become better than their former self," he said.
