October 27, 2015. Oil on canvas. 50x70cm

After the 2 years learning, I wished to test how good or how bad I was, through entering competition.

I searched overseas and local and couldn’t find many open contest with good judging panels. At last I found one territory-wide oil painting competition which there was no entrance fee.

The winners’ work could be published in a book and exhibited at the central library exhibition hall. And finally I decided to go for this one. 

It was meant to be a trial. Expectation to fail and to learn from winners. Since it was territorial wide and opened to public, there were a lot of entries including most of my painting friends. 

There were only 100 artists who will be selected. Over 95% were established leading professional painters and art teachers in Hong Kong. Less than 5% went to beginners and “no body”. It was a big accomplishment for me who had learnt painting for 2 years on a part time basis.
I was lucky enough to be selected. A big delighted surprise. And a big encouragement too.

My work “Long road ahead路遠” was a creation based on photos I took in Nepal some 10 years ago. The people, scenery and culture had touched my heart therefore the work was done with great emotion.

Thanks the judges to give me this special honour.

Friends come to see my painting.

Photo with well known painters in Hong Kong and China – 翁誕憲、沈平、陳朝龍

A unforgettable milestone – my first award.