VietNamNet Bridge – In the past, portrait making was popular in Hanoi, especially during French rule (1887-1945). Back to those days, hundreds of portrait drawing shops were located on Hang Ngang, Hang Dao and Hang Duong streets.

On August 4, the advent of modern technologies has led people to have little or no interest in portrait drawing since a lot of software programs make this job a lot easier. But a portrait drawn on the computer screen can never be the same as the one done by an artist. However, some artists like Tran Van Thinh and Nguyen Bao Nguyen still earn a living by making portraits of people in Hanoi.

Artist Tran Van Thinh focuses on a portrait. He said the job requires carefulness, meticulousness and patience. Therefore, it is not attractive to young adults

Portraits are displayed at a shop on Hang Dao Street in Hanoi. One portrait costs VND800,000 (US$36.7) to VND2.5 million depending on sizes       Portrait artist Nguyen Bao Nguyen (L) talks about his products with customers. At the age of 81, Nguyen still makes portraits upon request. He has been doing this job since 1960 – Photos: Ky Phuong Le