Whether they are landscapes, abstract, surreal or still life paintings; whether they depict life's turbulence or its beauty, they all carry a distinct female perspective.

Thousands of such works have been created by professional and amateur painters thanks to the space carved out for them by the HCM City Female Painter's Club over the last 30 years.

"The club is where female painters, whose creativity is restricted due to their social and family responsibilities, meet each other and explore art further," said Nguyen Thi Tam, head of the club, an affiliate of the HCM City Fine Arts Association.

Talented painters like Tam, Ho Thi Kim Quy, Dieu Tan and Dang Ai Viet are now known artists who impart their knowledge to younger members.

For its current crop of about 130 members, the club has organised several field trips to different parts of the country to discover new places, relax and be inspired to create new works.

Members have not only visited famous tourist sites like Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province, the hill-resort town of Sa Pa and the capital city of Hanoi , they have also walked on the former Truong Son Trail as well as trails in Ca Mau province's U Minh Forest.

So far this year, the club has opened two exhibitions at the city's Fine Arts Association: one to celebrate the Women's Day on March 8, and the other to greet the Liberation Day on April 30.

The exhibitions displayed paintings on canvass and silk, as well as statues and earthenware.

The club's members have said that their meetings, trips and exhibitions, and the sincere comments they receive on their works are extremely valuable and help them grow as artists.

Uyen Huy, head of the city's Fine Arts Association, said the club's activities and exchanges with other local and foreign clubs have enabled artists to learn from each other.

Anyone interested can visit the club and meet its members at the Fine Arts Association, 218 A Pasteur Street , District 3./.