Malaysian Watercolours

PLEASE BE PATIENT

2009-11-08T21:34:00.002+08:00

Dear Readers,

If you arrive by search engines, or even book marks, you may find that there is something wrong with this site. Well, there is. I have just moved servers and some of the files are stranded somewhere between there and here. I hope you will be patient with me. I will upload them again, one by one if possible.

I am also planning to change the look of this site to make it more dynamic, which is the reason why I am changing servers so that I may redesign it again. All these changes will tax your patience, so please bear with me.

Thank you

Swee

AJ Rahman Works For Resale By Owner

2009-11-02T21:31:00.004+08:00

The following is an excerpt of the letter I received from a reader in England, named here as CCD. CCD is from Surrey and has the following to say:

"I have had them for ten (10) years having inherited them from a friend who served in the far east in the 1940/50s and purchased them direct from the artist. The pictures are available for resale if any of your contacts are interested."

The works said to be from AJ Rahman

The signature at left of the picture.

If anyone is interested, please get in touch with me and I will forward your email to the owner and you negotiate with him. Note that the authenticity of these works are yet to be ascertained. Thank you.

Artist Teoh Continues Painting

2009-09-07T18:35:00.005+08:00

These are the works of Teoh Gay Hian, 41, a Malaysian cinematographer living in Jakarta. Teoh decides to paint again after 25 years.

In his words: "The last 25 years I have been busy pursuing my career and I stopped almost totally painting watercolours. But recently I picked it up again and hope to paint regularly as much as I can. "I love watercolour and it has enough things for me to explore and there's no need for me to try other mediums (except pencil)."

Ikang

Behand Dadan's house

Head Studies II - Man In Fedora

2009-08-20T08:17:00.006+08:00

This is another piece which I did today. It is a friend who loves fedoras. It is my second attempt to perfect this loose way of painting using only ultramarine, burnt sienna, and indigo, with dashes of cerulean. Comments welcomed as usual.

Study of Heads

2009-08-18T07:58:00.005+08:00

Rastafarian

Coach

I have not been painting a while. Produced these two over the past two weeks. It's pretty tough to get back on track once you have stopped painting a while. I didn't believe it when one artist told me this some time ago. I now realise the folly of not painting for so long.

These two are taken from photos on two diifferent papers. The colours used are burnt sienna, ultramarine, cadmium red, and cerulean. Dashes of cadmium yellow, burnt umber and indigo were also used.

Critics welcomed.

Rahman's Work - But Which?

2009-07-26T20:52:00.003+08:00

These photos were of watercolour works by an artist called Rahman. Could it be AB Rahman or AR Rahman? The owner wishes to know. And if anyone knows, please let me know so that I can let the owner know what I know now. Thanks for the help.

Revised: Aug 5:

Reader Mayangsari has written to inform that this is the work of AJ Rahman.

MORE AB IBRAHIM WORKS

2009-07-22T08:36:00.003+08:00

More AB Ibrahim works have surfaced it seems. This time from a reader of Malaysian watercolours in Reykjavik, Iceland. The owner has written to ask how he might sell these pieces and any of you who wish to find out more, please get in touch with me.

AB Ibrahim 1

AB Ibrahim 2

AB Ibrahim 3

AB Ibrahim 4

ED'S NOTE: Please note that the authenticity of these have not been determined.

Art, Peace And The Global Village - Against Violence

2009-06-19T07:58:00.004+08:00

THE Penang State Museum And Art Gallery and of R A Fine Arts proudly will be holding the “Art, Peace and the Global Village – Against Violance ” exhibition.

Duration: June 17 - 30 (9-5pm)
Venue: Penang State Art Gallery
(Official Opening: June 23 at 5.30 p.m)

It will feature artistic responses of local artists Amir Zainorin, Badruddin Syah Abdul Wahab, Haslin Ismail, Long Thien Shih, Maslin Md Ramly, Mohd Safwan Ahmad, Mustapha Haji Ibrahim, Rahmat Haron, Ramlan Abdullah, Samsudin Mohammad, Tan Sei Hon, Yeoh Lian Heng, Dr. Zakaria Ali Syed Mohd Bakar Syed Salim and Zazi.

Indonesian artists' works featured included Bayu Widodo, Djunaidi Kenyut, Januri and Kartika Affandi from Indonesia .

Other works include those by Palestinians artists Abdul Rahman Katanani and Rouhaifa Qassim; Cazim Sarajlic from Bosnia; Dayang Ampuan Siti Ramlah, Dayang Armachester Arsad, Pg. Timbang and Zakaria Omar from Brunei, and S. Mohdir from Singapore .

For details, Penang State Museum & Art Gallery at 04-2613144 or email to : muzium@po.jaring.my

Peter Harris Memorial Show

2009-06-16T06:37:00.002+08:00

The Art Gallery Penang will be holding the Memorial Exhibition of paintings by the late Peter Harris (1923-2009), founder of the Wednesday Art Group in 1952. To be officially opened at 4pm, this Saturday, June 20, The show will be held till Aug 28 at the Art Salon, Mont Kiara, in Kuala Lumpur.

For details, call: 012-6041434 (Eelene)/012-4831600 (Andrew)

Azmi Murad's Art

2009-06-06T08:40:00.003+08:00

Azmi Murad, a local artist, wrote to me sometime back and I was taken busy, hence this late post.

I stumbled upon his booth at a shopping complex in Setiawangsa recently where he was doing sketches with friends (I didn't disturb him). His works are pretty good and I kinda like his watercolour. I always liked plein air paintings.

He also paints in oil as well, of still life, and does portraiture sketches. His site is here.

AB Ibrahim Work For Sale

2009-06-02T10:39:00.003+08:00

A reader has sent in this for possible sale. She claims this to be AB Ibrahim's work although no size has been stated. Interested parties please get in touch with me and I will forward the owner's email.

Rafiee' Trafalgar Square

2009-05-11T06:23:00.000+08:00

Last year, local watercolourist Rafie Abdul Rahman participated in the Malaysia Week 2008 held at the Potters' Field in London. During that trip, he came up with several watercolour pieces pleinair.

This one is in oil, however, one of the handful few he did. If you are interested, get in touch with me and I will put you to him. Write to me.

Whose Works Are These?

2009-04-12T19:09:00.003+08:00

A reader who was in Kuala Lumpur in the 80s bought these two pieces. From the style, they looked like they belonged to AB Rahman. But I am not sure. The owner is seeking to sell them. If there are any buyers, let me know. I will forward him your contact. You can negotiate the price with him.

Ibrahim Hussein Work For Sale

2009-04-02T22:35:00.004+08:00

This was sent to me by a reader. He is interested to sell the piece at the right price - as he is not interested in keeping the piece. I dont normally allow non-watercolour pieces to be here but just this once. According to the owner, it was one of the Langkawi series done by Ibrahim, a No18 out of the 200. Anyone wishing to purchase can write to me and I will provide the sender's email address. You can then contact him for further negotiations.

Artist pays tribute to IB

2009-02-22T06:06:00.003+08:00

Malaysia lost yet another of its forerunners in art, Datuk Ibrahim Hussein, 72, who died of a heart attack at his Pantai home on Feb 19. Ibrahim, widely known as "Ib', had collapsed at his Lorong Bukit Pantai 1 home in Bukit Pantai.

Late last year, the country lost batil doyen Datuk Chuah Thean Teng. Malaysia’s world-acknowledged founder of batik painting, passed away in mid November at the age of 96.

There are many ways of paying tribute to artists who have passed on and one of them is to create works of art in their memory.

Artist Chee Eng Hong, who is renowned for his Sahut series, did this painting on the day he received an SMS of Ib's passing.

A painting dedicated to Datuk Ibrahim Hussein, Titled: i90209 (30"x30")

Another Abdullah Ariff Found

2009-01-30T22:40:00.006+08:00

Similar to the artist's Monsoon Gust.

This writer has been again contacted by an owner of an Abdullah Ariff painted in 1956.

You can see all the wonderful brushstrokes of the great artist. Anyone can please tell me the price of this?

I think it is worth a fortune and the owner just might be interested to part if the price is right.

Just drop what you think it is worth in the comment box below. The owner will be checking this site for the suggested values.

Do not contact me - I do not own the painting. Do not ask for the owner's contact either because in the past, there had been many instances where people try to hoodwink them.

Unless the price is right, this owner's identity will remain a secret. Give your email if you wish to be contacted. Thank you.

Authentic? This is Ariff's signature on the painting - complete with his qualifications, FRSA.

Updated: According to the owner, this painting went for US20.00 at a flea mart couple of years ago. Now, wouldn't that shock artlovers in Malaysia. If it is authentic, not only was it a steal but it was probably a case of not knowing the value of this great artist! I am wondering if the National Art Gallery would be interested in acquiring such pieces for its collection. After all, it is the only body capable for authenticating our national art pieces and probably financially capable of making such acquisitions!

Updated (April 13):
The foreign owner of this work has written to say that the work has been purchased by a Malaysian. Thank God, this work has returned to Malaysia! This topic is thus closed.

Laman Seni - The Million Ringgit Question That Should Be Answered Now

2008-12-08T07:31:00.004+08:00

Health info counters are best reserved for other events - like Art of Living, for instance. Not Laman Seni. - File Picture

I was with several people in the art business recently and we talked about how art could be promoted. Apart from the sporadic art events such as the recently concluded art expos held at two locations - one in a shopping complex and another at the Matrade building - and another event held at a gallery in Central Market, we agreed that more could be done to prmote art.

But what?

Kuala Lumpur as an art haven should have more regular events. I don't mean exhibitions but activities people - artistic people - can take part in.

Three years ago, the Laman Seni (arts market) was started by the National Art Gallery. It was meant to allow artists and the arts commune to gather every first Saturday of the month in Kuala Lumpur to partake in art related activities.

Of course, within that event, since it was a first attempt and no one has an inkling how it should be made out to be, there were all sorts of 'artistic ventures' although artists and their art work were given main priority.

There were bazaars, food stalls and even a small flea market at one end. Music was loud and the customary 'senamrobik' was held amidst silat demos, dance shows, etc - so much so that many people, artists included, concluded that it was a melting pot of art - affectionately termed 'rojak' if you like. Some of them are even offended.

Be that as it did, the artistic potpourri did pull in the crowd and through its existence for about two years, National Art Gallery, I am confident to say, received more visitors on those days that it ever did for an entire year if there were good visitor record keeping.

And just when everyone was looking forward to the Laman Seni, the idea was scrapped. Why, no one knows. Money could be a reason. Or it could be a combination of reasons.

It could be that some artists were complaining that they could not sell their work and the complaints had reached important ears.

Or it could be that the financiers were making a loss and could not account for the budget's returns.

It could even be that all the two-year effort was just to test the art market and see if an event like that had the potential of growth, into something bigger for the art scene.

Who knows?

But from my point of view, Kuala Lumpur needs a regular event like the Laman Seni. You need to have people come to the National Art Gallery and the only way you can do it is to generate some interesting activity which centers around art. Even if it is a rojak of a artistic event.

Of course, it could be organised with some sensibility of an art event - created within an atmosphere that would be conducive for artists to work and sell their work - even if for a day - and for the art buyer to be in the right frame of mind to purchase art.

You can have a carnival but keep the boundaries well marked: art for artists and art enthusiasts and carnival for the Jom-Heboh crowd. If the organisers do not have the experience, then outsource it to the more experienced.

Ventures like this are tricky and experience can make all the difference. Both for the future of arts in Malaysia and the artists' lives.

Second Putrajaya Watercolour Competition

2008-11-28T16:42:00.000+08:00

Rohaizad Shaari - "Merentas Gemilang" - 56 x 76cm, 2007

THE second Putrajaya watercolour competition results are out. Work by those who took part, winners and selected exhibitors, as well as members of the organiser, Malaysian Watercolour Organisation, under the able leadership of Dr Wong Seng-tong, will be on exhibit at the Annexe Gallery of Central Market in Kuala Lumpur from Saturday.

Pheh It Hao - "The City, Putrajaya - Peacefully Hidden" - 56 x 76cm, 2007

In case you do not know where the location is, it is on the top floor of the building at the back of Central Market. The launching is on Saturday and workers are working at feverish pace to complete the lighting and position the displays. You may pop by the gallery if you are in the vicinity and treat yourself to Malaysia's best in watercolour art.

In case you are not in town now, you might like to know that the show will only end on Dec 14, so there's plenty of time.

Opening hours are from 10am to 6pm.

Urban Interpretations

2008-11-17T06:41:00.004+08:00

There is a watercolour exhibition going on in town offering vivid images of urban scapes put together by two artists - Pheh It Hao and Tang Yeok Khang.

Organized by Pelita Hati House of Art, it is being held at 22 Jalan Abdullah, Off Jalan Bangsar till Nov 22. Viewing hours are from Mon-Sat (10.00am-6.00pm). Entrance is free and for details, call: 03-22848380.

I have not been to the show so this is the best I can come up with as the organiser only sent me an invite after the exhibition opened. However, he did invite me to visit the gallery thereafter. Didnt have the time to drop by yet, tho.

Just a note here: If you are organising a show, in watercolour expecially, let me know early please so that I can write more about it.

Anyway, here's an image of the above exhibition to give you a feel of what to expect.

Three Cows On A Hill

2008-10-29T08:29:00.004+08:00

Did this doodle a week ago. Didn't have time to upload it then, so here it is. A very simple piece done imaginatively. And fast.

The Journey

2008-10-15T05:48:00.004+08:00

This piece of painting was completed last night. Not a very big one, just 10in by 7in. It is done on 140lb Langton watercolour paper made by Daler Rowney.

The scenery shows a snowing mountain with storm approaching (or abating, depends on how you look at it) and four climbers making their way up (or down?) the cold terrain. The slant in the atmospheric skies mark strong winds familiar to climbers and the muted sunlight from right casts shadows on the white landscape. A cottage can be seen at left.

This painting is intended for a friend and former whom I am going to see this afternoon. I had intended to paint her a painting when she quit but never got to it because the idea was not there, then. Last night, it suddenly dawned upon me that it has been such a long while since we parted company in life's journey and while browsing through a book, I stumbled a similar scenery and hence this 'imaginative' piece.

We all go through life's journey somewhat similar to that of mountain climbers. Just when you think you have conquered one mountain, there is another to challenge you. Every day is a changing landscape and every step forward may not guarantee us the golden chalice we are looking for. But we have to plod on, step after step, painful or not, towards our goals in life, and hopefuly, we learn something about our journey in that station of life before another one begins.

Looking for Outdoor Sketchers? Painters?

2008-10-09T19:12:00.003+08:00

Wouldn't this be fun?

My last posting triggered various responses - mostly via emails to me. Thank you, the only commenter to use the post comment Amin Saim who, in his own right, is an accomplished sketcher. If you wish, you may visit his site here: MySketch and enjoy his unique pieces.

Among the responses I received via email are those enquiring about my location and where do I normally paint or sketch outdoors. Well, I am city-bound for geographical rhyme and reason. There are plenty of places which are my favourite ranging from busy street scenes to placid lakes and verdant gardens. Sketching and painting outings are limited by time and distance, with the coastal areas being my favourite. So, I hope this answers the questions two ladies from Johor baru have forwarded three days in between each other.

To writer Raj from Cheras, yes, I do go around my painting outings in the city. Normally these are what I do alone because no one would be crazy enough to go armed with a sketch pad and box of colours, sit under shade and start painting. I have not met any one crazy enough to join me, too, which is why the soliquy.

In any case, I am hoping to form a small group of amateur artists of similar interests in watercolour. If you are reading this and are interested, let me know. You may write to me or post your comments.

Outdoor Sketches

2008-10-04T12:31:00.004+08:00

I was told that if you want to improve your art, you have to learn to sketch and draw and do these outdoor. This advice came many years ago when I was learning under Master Tang Tuck Kan. I have still not forgotten it and have, as much as I can, try to sketch.

I am not saying that this is the right way, but if you want to improve your understanding of your subject, the atmosphere it is in, and especially mastering the values that will make your art more alive, you need to do outdoor sketches. Lots of it.

Of course, some beginning artists may disagree and I am not saying that this is the only way. For me, it is the best way. This is because sometimes you may not have the time to do a full painting and sketching do help a lot in keeping you in touch with your drawing and painting skills. Sketching allow you to exercise and hone your drawing skills. With good drawing skills, you paint better too.

What do you use to sketch?

Well, you can use pens or graphite pencils, or even watercolours. I prefer graphite pencils because they are easier to handle. I use watersoluble ones such as Derwent's which work well even without using water. If I need a wash, I just brush on with clear water. It's that simple. This brand also does not smudge easily.

In this post, I shall share with you my sketches done over the past few months. Feel free to comment.

Sepang Gold Coast.

Morib coast - 3pm.

Roof study.

Village by the sea.

Art Galleries Need To Do More Than Just Hosting Shows

2008-09-22T13:43:00.004+08:00

I have been to many art shows by local artists. Some of these I have been invited by the galleries, in others the artists invite me.

Many times, too, I have invitation sent to me with a whole chunk of photographs or CDs of works by the exhibiting artists by enthusiastic gallery managers and owners. I remember more than one occasion of having gotten tonnes of publicity materials good enough for catalogues aimed at art buyers but none the least useful for an art writer.

I often wonder what makes up for the shoddy publcity work from art galleries that want to promote their artists. It often comes as an insult to see a bagful of publicity material and an accompanying piece of cover letter that implies "Please Write". About what?

I normally refrain from writing about things I don't know or cannot appreciate because of my lack of knowledge. I suspect many ethical art writer (and critic) do the same too.

Report about an exhibition anybody can. But doing so without being mindfullyy understanding the subject or the artist is something even angels dare not tread on.

Yet, I see and sense this expectation from gallery owners - or the artist, and their equally guilty publicity managers - every time I receive an invite to an art show.

To relate an experience, just three weeks ago I received an invite (to view and hopefully write) about some Chinese artists whose works are being showcased at a local gallery. While some of the pieces did interest me, the cover letter sent shivers down my spine - that eager expectation of me writing about it shone shamelessly through. Finally, I decided not attend the opening and politely RSVPed the sender. I would rather not see the works and work up expectations from the organiser that I may write on my site.

How is it that gallery owners think all they needed to do for artists are just sending publicity materials to art writers? I most certainly will not excourage this carpet-bombing publicity stunt. Send enough press releases and pictures to the press and journalists, chances are that you will get your exhibition written about.

Sure, why not. Any coverage is good but will it promote the artist or his art? Without offering more than juvenile reporting, how do you hope to build an informed group of collectors of art?

Nothing is more exasperating to see ill-informed gallery managers who do not take the trouble to explain about the artist or the work on show. Poorly informed curators have no place being involved in art and so do PR officers of organisations holding art exhibitions. Nothing is more exasperating to the art collector than to have viewed and been prompted to buy a piece of work only to find that the only reference to it is in between the chiny covers of a very expensive catalogue. I most certainly would not want to waste my money if I knew nothing of what I am purchasing.

If you are wondering why local art do not sell well, then I think you would have made up some impressions this far. And what do you have when you marry ill-informed artshow organisers and artists who do not bother to be there when their prospective buyers call at the gallery?

The Artist is Holding Competition

2008-09-21T09:00:00.003+08:00

LEADING ART magazine The Artist is holding an all media online competition with a section for watercolourists.

The prizes are pretty good with the grand prize being $500 and 7 first place awards of $100 each. If you are interested, contest details are available here.

Grand Prize Award: $500
7 First Place Awards: $100 each

The Grand Prize winner and all 7 First Place Winners will receive complimentary subscriptions to The Artist's Magazine and $100 worth of North Light Books.
Honorable Mentions receive complimentary subscriptions to The Artist's Magazine and $50 worth of North Light Books.
Winners will be featured on The Artist's Magazine website along with a list of Honorable Mentions. All Winners and Honorable Mentions will receive a certificate suitable for framing.

Deadline: November 3, 2008

Editor's Note: This is one chance Malaysian artists can take advantage of in promoting their works. The prizes may not be much in terms of financial returns but the exposure is definitely something to ponder. Think about it, ya!