Art studio

YOU are an ARTIST

I found that everyone is an artist. When someone is interested in learning and has spark joy while making artwork, that means she/he is an artist.

Everyone is born with artistic talent; it is just that each one has his/her unique strength in certain area. Some might feel more comfortable working with drawing than working on coloring, so he/she might end up the artwork with drawing only. This is because he/she is afraid that she could ruin the artwork if other techniques are applied.

Usually people like to stay in their comfort zones and are scared about trying unfamiliar methods. Therefore, I start with one’s comfort zone, in areas where they possess strong techniques and add little by little new skills into their art work, nudging them beyond their comfort zones. By doing so, he/she will build confidence in new technique which eventually becomes their newly added comfort zone. Once he/she learns various methods of art making, they will provide much broader and diverse ways to express their creativity.

I have been teaching teens and adults for 8 years. Each student usually has his/her own class depending on his/her idea and interest, unless engaged in a group project. I usually have around 4 students at maximum, because by this way, I can focus on each one’s artwork according to his/her progress. Creating art is not about technique. It’s about learning the process of art making.

In sum, my goal of teaching art is just like teaching how to ride a bicycle. You will eventually be able to ride on your own!

I would like to say thank you to my students who were gladly to share their artworks.

Materials

Every materials have their own quality. When you understand the materials you will know better how to use them. Artwork will look much natural and easy to use.

Stories

We want to tell some our own stories. and art is one way to share using visual language. Without ideas, we will lost and difficult to start.

Understanding difficulties

I had one special talented student who was left handed. we tried to figure it out how he can control his drawing technique without smudging. He was afraid of working in painting cause he could not control his hand. However he did beautiful watercolor painting later.

Pencil drawing

Pencil is seems easy but it is actually needs a lot skill to understand. When you notice different textures in paper, you will love to work with pencil. Below is my student’s first pencil drawing. It took a long time to finish, despite that she is very confident using pencil as her medium.

Colors?

It is difficult to add color when your drawing looks perfect. But there are times you want to use colors, just you are not confident enough. I had one student master in drawing, but so scared with colors. Below is how I started with her and now she does watercolor painting.

Experiment with colors

Limiting color selections or experimenting with Hues brings various mood. Colors can be key elements to change whole atmosphere of the artwork. When you plan your color with little color sketch you can test the results.

Using letters

Combining letters can be another format to try for your own wall art for your home or studio. Phrases or words can be inspiring elements to your space.

Abstract paintings

Abstract is fascinating, specially when you see a blank canvas. Some might want to splash the paint or use big brush make marks. I think this is great way to express their vague feelings.

Collage and mix media

Four seasons by Emerald
Leaves, cotton, acrylic on cardboard paper

Portrait, Still life and Landscapes

Subjects can be various such as portraits, landscapes, flowers etc. Finding the subject from your daily objects gives you a chance to look them differently. Choosing what to paint and draw gives you a chance to observe mundane things around.

Using digital art tool

Always I teach my students to start with hand sketch using pencil and paper, and then move onto computer. Computer can be another creative tool to show creative visual which can not be done manually.

Shanghai sketch workshop

Before I left Shanghai, I did a Shanghai sketch workshop to whom wanted to have their own Shanghai landscape painted by themselves. It ran for 4 sessions (2 hours) with 5 lovely ladies. This workshop was casual, yet the result was excellent. Each lady chose different styles with different mediums. 

One day kid’s workshop at U concept gallery

As part of my exhibition, U Concept gallery invited children age from 5 to 12 to make art using my art making method. First, children used charcoals to draw on paper and cut them into pieces, later make a composition by attaching them on the canvas. Finally, paint on the canvas using acrylic paint. All children brought their own ideas by using this method.

Art Instructor

Kirkland Arts Studio

Jan 2019 – Current

Kirkland, Washington

• Expression with Abstraction Adult Class

Soo Hong Art studio

Apr 2010 – Jun 2018

Shanghai, China

• Founded special art program which meets each art student's specific needs. 
• Achieved technical drawing and painting skills and developed ideas for art projects. 
• Consulted and lead students to fine art and design field to help them understand related career path.

Sub teacher / Career day speaker/ Special homeroom class lecturer

Concordia International School of Shanghai

2014, 2015 and 2018

Shanghai. China

• Kindergarten and Grade 1 art sub teacher.
• Introduced artist career to High school students
• Shared my artwork with students and helped them create their own artworks.

University Lecturer

Hongik University

Sep 2009 – Feb 2010

South Korea

• Lectured ‘Product Design Graphics'.

University Lecturer

Dankook University

Sep 2008 – Feb 2010

South Korea

• Lectured ‘Design Media Workshop 1 & 2’