To those who frequent my blog, I am so sorry for not updating for a long, long time. Anyway, like the saying goes 'better late than never'. Some news may be "basi", nevertheless, im still sharing them with you.

My reason being late is I have been painting furniture at clients warehouse at Shah Alam and Selayang everyday since the past 2 months until fasting month, which then I will concentrate on the backlog painting orders at home. Will share with you pictures of the painted furniture later.

Now I have the time as I am here at a medical centre looking after my youngest daughter who was admitted yesterday for prolonged cough and phlegm. She has no fever so do not need my full attention. So while she watches Disney Channel, I update my blog. Lets see how much I can put in this time.

Workshop at Saloma Bistro and Theatre

I conducted a workshop last July 19th at Saloma Bistro and Theatre, jointly organised by Karangkraf and Tourist Development Centre in conjunction with the Malaysian Flora Fest. The biggest group we had so far, 69 participants. It is interesting to know that this art not only interest the womenfolk , as there were increasing response of male participants, 7 this time. And we have 2 children among the participants, youngest a 12 year old boy.

That was my 4th workshop so far, still conducting with my painting buddies Aniza and Nora. Shikin my friend who use to be my student and now also a decorative painting teacher herself was present to help us. Thank you Shikin.

Here are some of the photographs taken at the workshop.

Roses are my speciality

When I first started painting, I concentrated on many kinds of roses. And I learned roses from many teachers as each have their own style and uniqueness. I also tried painting roses from books by famous decorative artists like Ros Singleton, Annette Stevenson, Ros Stallcup, Priscilla Hauser, Ginger Edwards and more. And finally I have my own style, my signature Rose. My friends would recognise my rose whenever they see them in shops or homes around town, or even outside town- Sg Petani and Trengganu, Singapore etc.

My rose now is quite different from couple years ago as I have included the backround, shading and highlighting effects and using triple loading as to the usual double load. I find that using naples yellow hue or unbleached titanium in the loading gives kinda transparent effect producing very light coloured rose. Of course there is variation if you want darker roses. I can give some tips here but if you do it with me in my class, you will learn better and faster. Here are some pictures of the many kinds of roses that I have painted and my signature rose, my friends name it oliverose. I have done the oliverose in peachypink, white and darkred.

Painting on Furniture

Some of the painted furniture.

I started painting on small items, and then gave a try on bigger ones like tables, racks and shelves and eventually on wardrobe, buffet -and- hutch, consoles, amoirs, screens and such. There is a demand on this. I love painting on furniture, it beautify plain ones and transform old ones.

Laman Workshop

We conducted 2 workshops last year, in June and December 2007. The response was overwhelming!. Since it was planned for a 1-day basic programme, we taught a simple project, using only 2 types of brushes, a few basic colours and painting 4 simple flowers. There will be workhops planned for 19 April and 19 July this year. Registration can be made through March/April issue of LAMAN.

Starting Classes

Some of my students' projects.

In 2003, Che E and some friends wanted me to teach them decorative painting. Their encouragement and persistance overcome the little knowledge and experience I had then. I began giving classes and the response increases. I increase my skills and knowledge by attending more classes and learning from different teachers as well as refer to many books. I also practise a lot, really A LOT!! So, its me juggling between teaching and learning , at the same time completing painting orders, not forgetting the housework and other motherly duties. I suppose that helped improve and develop myself and my painting style. Till now I still conduct classes from my home. And I'm proud to say that my students can paint well and some continue teaching this art to other people.

Started Painting Seriously

What started out to be a fun-fun hobby seems to get serious, still fun though! It all started with Shidah and Ani who wanted me to paint for them when I was still very new in this. Then their friends wanted me to paint for them too and then friends of those friends came. I supposed words got around and more people like my painting and started placing orders for painted items. It gave me the confidence and I was determined to paint better. Until now I paint almost everyday. Thank you, friends for your support and for making me who I am today.