“Out for a Ride” is a tall framed contemporary oil on canvas painting created by Vietnamese artist Nguyen Van Cuong in 2016. Featuring a soft palette made of purple, pink and grey, this painting depicts a young lady getting ready to hop on her bicycle. She is wearing an adorable purple hat with light pink ribbon, delicately protecting her oversized head from the elements. Her slender body is elegantly dressed, with a fuchsia purse creating a perfect focal point in the composition. The viewer’s attention is undeniably attracted to her face, perfectly made up. Her facial expression however, remains neutral, with no emotion peeking through. In Cuong’s own words: “My paintings are an attempt to show the contradiction between who women are and who they make themselves up to be. They address contradictions: femininity versus frivolity, truth versus fallacy, purity versus vulgarity, and true beauty versus a sheath of deception”. With its tall and narrow proportions and lovely execution, this framed figurative oil on canvas painting will bring a touch of elegance to any home, and per the artist’s desire, perhaps a hope for reflection. Without its frame, the painting measures 63 x 21.5 inches.