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.

Nora, Aniza and I

How I met Nora
In year 2002, Zainon, a friend who started with glass painting took me to a little, cute but amazing decor and art&craft shop, Home Pride owned by Datin Rose and Nora. Found out that they have been having art classes since the past 2 years. Where was I then!!!!???
Ironically, I have met Nora before in 2000 when she visited my sister who happened to be an old friend of hers. And I was there during my confinement when I had my fifth child. I knew Nora only for her needlework skills then.
Of course, I signed up for classes at Home Pride; Sandy was teaching at that time and when she left for Australia, we continued with Nora.


How I met Aniza
I went for Rosemaling (Norwegian art) class conducted by Aniza at Zahir's shop, Craft Cottage. When we met, we both excitedly said to each other 'Hey, I've heard about you before'. Apparently, our mutual friend, Intan (an expert with ribbon embroidery) has been telling us about our shared interest. I am honoured that someone so experienced in this field heard about me. I took up more lessons from her. Now and then I still go to her to upgrade my skill and knowledge.

Currently, Nora, Aniza and I jointly conduct workshops organised by Laman Impiana and together we developed a book on decorative painting. Watch out for our book 'Amaze Yourself With Stunning Projects' which should be released by mid this year.

How I Started

I have passion in folkart long before i know it. I have been searching high and low for someone involved in this field until one day in year 2001 when I met Veronica, an experienced decorative artist and teacher, during a charity sale. A week later she started classes for me and group of friends which I organised in my home. That was my first hands-on experience in decorative painting. Here are some of my initial projects. I realise that this is something that you do not need prior experience or knowledge as it is an acquired skill that can be learned with the right technique and tools.

my first few projects