I was born in Saigon, Vietnam. Being very shy, I spent much of my childhood upstairs making quilts, doll clothes, and painting, instead of playing with other children. My painting won Best of Show prize at a 1974 children's exhibition in Saigon sponsored by UNICEF. In 1975, my family was split up. I ended up in Hong Kong for a year prior to immigrating to the United States as an orphan. After one very snowy and cold winter in Pennsylvania, I came to Los Angeles ( where I had a stint with Hollywood - I got a part in Oliver Stone's 'Heaven and Earth' and followed with a lead role in Elizabeth Hong Yang's 'Touch Within' in China , while working as a fashion model for 4 years). Since then I have lived, worked, and exhibited my work in many parts of the U.S.

I paint landscape, plantscape, and figures - mostly oil on panel. Subject matter is not really important to me. I can find visual excitement all around me...inspirations are inexhaustible. I love painting because it gives me great enjoyment. I lose myself in time and the day to day worries just vanish...and when I have completed a painting I feel like a part of me will be remain when I am gone.

I received my painting degree from Cal State University, Long Beach. Most recently I have participated in workshop with Bo Bartlett. I'm also a member of Oil Painters of America.

I have received grants from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation two times, and three times from the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation. My work is represented in many public and private collections in the USA, Canada, Mexico and Europe.
www.thunguyenpaintings.com