I chose oriental painting as one of the classes I prepared for my students this year. It offers valuable insight into watercolor techniques. Unlike Western painting, which highlights the beauty of objects through composition and perspective, oriental painting focuses on capturing the essence through ink’s control of light and dark. This approach naturally enhances understanding of light control and blending. By exploring watercolor through oriental painting, I found it easier to grasp these core techniques.

A representative characteristic that distinguishes it from Western painting is that it does not express light and shade, and through it, which is drawn only with the light and dark of the ink, the concerns about ideas are expressed in a restrained manner.

​The characteristic of oriental painting is that the strength of the lines can express the artist's emotions, personality, and even the liveliness of the screen. And the beauty of the blank space is well expressed. The blank space is not an unfinished, undrawn space, but symbolizes a free sense of liberation and leisurely style.

​In Western painting, things are expressed by size, whereas in Eastern painting, things that are far away are drawn vaguely and things that are close are drawn darkly, and things that are close are drawn at the bottom of the picture and things that are far away are drawn at the top of the picture (imagine climbing a mountain and looking at a distant view).

Western paintings are painted by setting up an easel in one place and drawing the scenery as seen from that place. In other words, the viewpoint of looking at the painting is fixed in one place. Therefore, when appreciating Western paintings, you put them in a frame and hang them on the wall. On the other hand, Eastern paintings use a moving viewpoint. In other words, the moving viewpoint of Eastern paintings is in a panoramic format, so it is made into a scroll and is intended to be viewed by unfolding it.

In an art activity that requires constant creation based on diverse perspectives and ideas, it is very important to know various approaches. Through ink-based painting, you can learn the techniques of oriental painting by painting on rice paper rather than canvas, which will help you understand the differences in various thoughts.

I teach art to 4th-7th graders at School Nova every Sunday. This winter exhibition is a place where all the results and achievements are open, so I prepared with all my heart. I know how much the students love their work, so I had to move the work, check the condition, and arrange it well. It took more than 4 hours to prepare, but in the end, the children enjoyed it so much that I felt deeply happy. It is such a great fortune and happiness for me to see the children enjoying their work.

When the empty classroom was filled with art, something amazing happened. The classroom was filled with life and became like a magical scene. I believe in the amazing energy and power of art.

For artists, exhibitions are a very important task. Students grow by opening their works to the public, whether online or offline. Artists also jump to the next level through exhibitions every time. Therefore, opening their own results is a very important task. I also think it was a significant opportunity to check how I can lead students to draw professional pictures and to look for areas for improvement.

​This week, I have to prepare for School Nova's art showcase. Finally, this Sunday, I will be exhibiting the students' works. I am happiest when I hear the students humming while I teach. And I believe that their eyes will sparkle endlessly as they exhibit their wonderful works. This kind of work is the most rewarding for me.

​Art has power. It soothes the weary mind and gives you an eternal driving force that sparks brilliant ideas. Children who are close to art will have best friends who are invisible and always on  their side. I feel the greatest mission in this work.

Oil painting holds a unique and enduring allure in the art world, celebrated for its richness, versatility, and timeless appeal. Unlike other mediums, oil paints are composed of pigments suspended in oil, typically linseed. This composition gives oil paints their remarkable texture, depth, and vibrancy, allowing artists to create works that resonate with life-like intensity.
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One of the defining characteristics of oil painting is its slow drying time. This attribute provides artists with ample opportunity to blend colors seamlessly, layer transparently, and make adjustments over time, encouraging exploration and refinement. The depth achieved through glazing—applying thin layers of translucent paint—adds a luminous quality that can evoke the play of light in remarkable ways.

Oil paint also lends itself to a wide range of techniques, from delicate detail work to bold, impasto applications where the paint sits thickly on the canvas, creating a sense of dimension. This adaptability allows for the expression of intricate realism or expressive abstraction, catering to diverse artistic visions.
Moreover, oil paintings are known for their durability. Masterpieces created centuries ago retain their vibrancy and texture, standing as testaments to the medium’s longevity. The inherent richness of oil colors, with their ability to capture subtle tonal shifts, enhances an artist’s ability to convey mood, emotion, and narrative depth.
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Ultimately, the unique beauty of oil painting lies in its capacity to bring an artist’s vision to life with unparalleled texture, color, and luminosity. Whether exploring the delicate gradations of light and shadow or reveling in bold, expressive strokes, oil painting remains a timeless medium that continues to inspire and captivate artists and viewers alike.

​I personally do not like using oil paints. First of all, I have a sensitive respiratory system, so I often cough when I use oil paints. So I mainly use less irritating mediums. I do not recommend it to children, especially if they are under a certain age. I think this is because I react sensitively when I use oil paints. However, oil paints irritate my respiratory system and dry out my eyes, but after painting, I want to continue painting with oil paints because of the beauty that only oil paints can have. When I define the beauty of oil paints, there is an actress that comes to mind. So I tried painting Audrey Hepburn in oil paints. I made this because I wanted to teach students about the sparkle, softness, loveliness, and liveliness that oil paints have.

I recently started asking my students the following question:
"Do you think you are good at drawing? Does your class think you are good at drawing?"
This is a kind of secret evaluation of me as a teacher.
The students answered "Yes" without a second of hesitation, making me happy.
"I know I am good at drawing."

When I actually see their changed drawings, I realize that I don't need to ask this question. Because drawings don't lie. I love art because there is no world as honest as drawings. No matter how much you try to cover up and hide it, the world of art cannot be deceived.
If there is an artist who covers up or hides his or her skills, the world will soon find out.

When I see my students' work, I clearly realize that they are my reward and award. I always try my best to keep the following educational philosophy.

First, I will be sincere. In other words, I will not frequently miss class for personal reasons or other excuses. This is because drawing improves skills based on sincerity. It would be best if you could draw as if you were doing it every day, but students who are busy with various schedules cannot focus only on art. Therefore, I try to keep my classes as much as possible without canceling them.

Second, let them explore various materials. Various approaches are very helpful in developing the imagination and creativity needed when drawing. If you suggest that students draw as if they are experimenting in various ways, students can expand their ideas more enjoyably.

Third, encourage them often. Encourage them as much as possible. At first, these words may be burdensome, but if you hear them repeatedly, they will be instilled with confidence in themselves. This confidence will maximize the possibility that they can handle any difficult form of drawing.

Fourth, try to create a comfortable atmosphere as much as possible. When they come to my class, I try to make them think that they are receiving the best service possible. I want them to feel like they are princes and princesses for this time. Because a happy mood helps them to freely spread their wings of imagination. I want them to draw without being nervous or stressed, and if possible, hum a song while happily singing.

Fifth, we try to help children realize the joy of art. This can take many forms. We want to help them experience not just the joy of drawing, but also the sense of accomplishment and joy when they push themselves to their limits and overcome those barriers.

As time goes by and I see my students grow, I discover more and more the educational power, possibilities, and vision in art. I love every moment when my students become brighter, happier, and more confident through art. And next year, I promise to develop devices and curricula that will help students improve their skills and delve deeper into the world of art.