Vibrant Hoi An under Australian artist's sketches

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Anna, from Australia, had fallen in love with Hoi An, Central Vietnam's Quang Nam province, in her first visit to Vietnam in 2012. She has since returned Hoi An two to three times each year to discover more about the local culture and people, and draw out the lovely ancient town.

(Photo courtesy of Anna Barnes/ via VNE)

"There's something about Vietnam that has greatly attracted me. My love for the S-shaped country grows stronger, and I really want to experience and discover Vietnam as much as possible", Anna was quoted by VNE as saying.

(Photo courtesy of Anna Barnes/ via VNE)

A sketch of fish market in a fishing village on the outskirts.

For Anna, her trip to the fish market's given her closer insight into the regional fishery. "Many restaurants in the town source their raw materials here", she said.

"To become a fish seller in Vietnam, you've got to wear white rubber boots, have a cheerful voice and good health. You'd better be immune to rubbish, fishy smell", she smiled.

(Photo courtesy of Anna Barnes/ via VNE)

Anna started to draw out Vietnam on her first trip in 2012 with her three-year-old son. "I wanted to do something new, so I took out my notebook and started drawing. It turned out the locals really loved my sketches", Anna recalled.

"This made me realize drawing was an ideal way to learn about the locals and connect with them. Thus, I keep drawing about Vietnam until now", she added.

(Photo courtesy of Anna Barnes/ via VNE)

Many of Ann's pictures depicting food or food vendors thanks to her endless passion for cuisine.

She acquired a master's degree in Design at the University of Sydney and a bachelor's degree in Southeast Asia Studies. She also has 25 years of experience specializing in making Australian traditional specialties in Sydney restaurants.

(Photo courtesy of Anna Barnes/ via VNE)

A sweet soup (chè in Vietnamese) vendor in Hoi An is depicted in Anna's sketch.

The sketch depicting Ms. Tuat selling "Căn" cake in a Hoi An's clothing market, is Anna's most favorite one.

Ms. Tuat food store, however, was relocated outside the inner-town due to the growing influx of tourists while she wanted to serve local people only.

(Photo courtesy of Anna Barnes/ via VNE)

Craftswomen making lanterns.

Lanterns are considered an important contributor to the attractiveness of Hoi An. One can easily catch sight of colorful lanterns, which according to Anna, light up the ancient town at night. "The reflection of lanterns' light on the water sparkles the already charming town", Anna describes.

(Photo courtesy of Anna Barnes/ via VNE)

Anna often takes photos of her drawings and shares on social media.

(Photo courtesy of Anna Barnes/ via VNE)

A group of florists is seen in Anna's pictures.

(Photo courtesy of Anna Barnes/ via VNE)

A "Banh Mi" (Vietnamese bread) drawing, with details of all the fillings. In Vietnam, banh mi is the most iconic staple.

"Drawing and connecting with local people is what I appreciated the most", she said, adding that her passion was to help people connect, change and develop their lives through arts, cuisine and culture.

(Photo courtesy of Anna Barnes/ via VNE)

Anna (in blue, middle) showing the vendors her drawings. She had returned to Australia on March 11 due to the advent of COVID-19.

"I would return Hoi An in the soonest possible time. I'm planning to move to Hoi An and settle down there when the pandemic ends", the Australian woman told VNE.

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