Bing Phung uses watercolour to capture the quiet wonder of the natural world

For Edmonton artist Bing Phung, painting has never been just about creating beautiful images — it has always been about capturing the moments and landscapes that inspire him every day. From his early years discovering a talent for art in school, to becoming an elected member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour, Phung has built a career grounded in longtime passion and a deep appreciation for nature.

“I started doing art in public school,” Phung recalls. “That’s why I knew this art stuff was pretty easy because I was getting all As,” he laughs. That early confidence led him to study Design and Digital Media at MacEwan University, where he developed a background in graphic design before eventually pursuing fine art.

His artistic path was not immediate. For 15 years, Phung owned and operated a tea shop before making a life-changing decision in 2019. “I sold my business, and started focusing more on doing fine art and watercolour,” he says. Now, he teaches art classes, participates in art shows, and creates commissioned works for clients across Alberta.

Watercolour has become his signature medium, largely because of its unpredictability. “I like working in watercolour because I like a challenge,” he explains. “It’s one of those mediums where it’s one and done. If you make a mistake, you’ve just got to start over.” Rather than seeing its unforgiving nature as a limitation, Phung embraces it as part of the creative process.

His paintings are often inspired by the landscapes surrounding Edmonton’s river valley and Alberta’s parks. “I get inspired by daily life, what I see around,” he says. “It’s just daily experiences and travel photos and travel experiences.” While landscapes remain his primary focus, he also creates portraits, pet commissions, and increasingly, floral works. One unexpected favourite among collectors? “I seem to sell a lot of birch trees. People are drawn to that style.”

Phung’s artist statement reflects the same connection to nature that defines his work. Having immigrated from Vietnam in the 1980s, he describes his artistic journey as being shaped by both his cultural heritage and the breathtaking scenery of Alberta. Through careful composition and expressive watercolour techniques, he aims to “create artworks that not only evoke a sense of beauty but also invite viewers to pause, reflect, and find solace in the peacefulness of nature.”

Beyond painting, Phung is equally committed to sharing his knowledge with others. As an art instructor, he helps students build both technical skills and creative confidence, while remaining active in Edmonton’s artistic community through exhibitions and professional organizations.

At the heart of it all is a simple philosophy. “People should have what they like — whatever painting speaks to them,” Phung says. He believes original artwork should be both meaningful and accessible, bringing beauty and personal connection into everyday spaces.

For Bing Phung, every brushstroke is more than an artistic technique. It is an invitation to slow down, appreciate the landscapes around us, and discover the quiet beauty that exists in the ordinary.