In Bed With Duong (IBWD): My Artbook Reviews series
If you have been following my creative path, you know I have often described myself as a "quiet art lover." For years, I was comfortable staying behind the camera. But in recent years, I decided to challenge myself to go deeper. I wanted to create a resource that documents my art exploration journey—a way to educate myself about art history and illustration while sharing that knowledge with you.
That challenge evolved into my YouTube vlogging series: IBWD (In Bed With Duong).
What is the IBWD Art Series?
The title might sound playful, but the goal is serious: to build a digital library of the best artbooks for inspiration. "In Bed With Duong" is about that intimate, relaxed feeling of ending the day with a great book. In this series, I share detailed art book reviews and flip-throughs, giving you a close-up look at the techniques, compositions, and printing quality of books that have shaped my visual style.
Building a Visual Library: From Van Gogh to James Jean
One of the things I am most proud of with this playlist is the diversity of the collection. My goal is to bridge the gap between classical masterpieces and modern digital illustration.
Here are a few highlights from the series so far:
Classical Masters: We dive into the complete paintings of Vincent Van Gogh, studying the brushwork that defined Post-Impressionism.
Art Nouveau & Design: I explore the intricate, decorative lines of Alphonse Mucha, a must-have reference for graphic designers.
Contemporary Surrealism: Watch my review of James Jean’s "Pareidolia", a visual feast of complex storytelling and technical mastery.
Modern Japanese Illustration: We look at the vibrant, digital world of Yoneyama Mai in her book "EYE."
Photography & Culture: A look back at cultural shifts in "The Seventies in Pictures."
Why I Review Artbooks
In the digital age, why buy physical books? For me, an artbook is a textbook.
By doing these flip-through reviews, I want to show that these books are not just coffee table decorations. They are tools for education. Analyzing a printed page allows us to understand color palettes and layouts in a way screens often miss. Whether you are a concept artist, an illustrator, or just an art enthusiast, building a physical reference library is one of the best investments you can make for your creativity.
Watch the Artbook Review Playlist
If you are looking for recommendations on art books or just want to relax with some beautiful imagery, you can watch the full IBWD playlist below. I update this list regularly as I acquire new treasures for my studio.
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