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| Art teacher Le Thi Loc Phuong having a deep passion for drawing heritage-themed paintings with chalk on the blackboard |
The colors of chalk
Pressing the pink chalk firmly against the board, Ms. Phuong shapes each petal of the Parasol tree flowers, blooming vibrantly beyond the silent gate. Her eyes follow every chalk line - both careful and passionate - as a “miniature Hue” unfolds in her own unique way.
Having worked as an art teacher for more than 20 years, always accompanied by white chalk and blackboards, Ms. Phuong never stops exploring and creating new ways to inspire her students’ love for painting.
In 2020, when the chalkboard drawing trend spread widely on social media, she joined in. What started as small decorative touches during lessons gradually became more elaborate artworks displayed during class observations or end-of-year ceremonies.
For Ms. Phuong, Hue’s scenery is deeply imprinted in her memory. The moment she holds a piece of chalk, countless memories and images come flooding back. Though the chalkboard has its limits - it cannot capture every detail like a canvas or silk fabric - those very limits allow her to form a distinctive symbolic composition. She doesn’t copy reality but arranges her scenes skillfully so that even in a small space, she can tell a grand story about the heritage and culture of Hue.
“Chalkboard drawings don’t last long. Each time I finish one, I have to erase it. I do feel a bit regretful, but wiping the board also means beginning a new creative journey,” confided Ms. Phuong.
Spreading the inspiration
During daily lessons, just a few strokes of scenery or floral details at the corner of the chalkboard are enough to make the classroom less monotonous and more engaging. On special occasions such as class closings, parent meetings, or festivals, her chalkboard becomes a vibrant centerpiece - bamboo groves, full moons, and shimmering lanterns for the Mid-Autumn Festival; apricot and peach blossoms for Tet; or dynamic banners during thematic activities. Students excitedly gather around, watching every stroke. “A lively chalkboard makes the classroom atmosphere less tense and sparks students’ interest. It also reflects the teacher’s care and dedication to the lesson,” shared Ms. Phuong.
She also noted that chalkboard drawing has become increasingly popular among teachers. Elementary students mainly learn through visual impressions - the more illustrations, the easier it is for them to imagine and remember what the teacher conveys.
Every summer, Ms. Phuong runs chalkboard drawing classes at home. Most of her students are elementary and secondary school teachers, though sometimes young students with a passion for drawing joining in to learn how to decorate their classroom chalkboards. In addition to in-person sessions, she also offers online classes, connecting with teachers from cities and provinces across Vietnam such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Hung Yen. The chalkboard art group she founded now has nearly 8,000 members, forming a vibrant creative community dedicated to classroom chalkboard art.
Sharing her technique, Ms. Phuong revealed, “The hardest part of chalk drawing is controlling the pressure of your fingers. The two fingers must be strong enough to create smooth and steady lines.”
Beyond her teaching duties, Ms. Loc Phuong also experiments with other mediums such as oil painting, acrylics, wall murals, and even painting on ao dai (traditional Vietnamese garment). Regardless of the medium, the landscapes and nature of Hue remain her eternal source of inspiration. Many of her works have been showcased in exhibitions, leaving a lasting impression on art lovers.
According to Mr. Truong Ngoc Hai, Principal of Tu Ha Primary School No. 1, “Ms. Loc Phuong is an experienced art teacher. Her chalkboard paintings always make the classroom alive, inspiring students’ creativity and passion. She also spreads this artistic spirit among her colleagues, reflecting the school’s spirit of innovation in teaching.”