Students showcase their talent

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THE students of the Chinese painting class at Chinwoo Athletic Association Selangor and Kuala Lumpur have proven that determination definitely pays off.

The creations they proudly presented in a joint exhibition with their instructor, Hong Poh Gaik, are the fruit of their labour of several months, or even years.

Hong, who has been teaching at the association for over two decades, is more than happy to impart knowledge to her students and guide them in developing their talents.

Proud: Hong surrounded by her students’ artworks.

“I am like a mother hen, leading the chicks into the world of Chinese ink painting.

“Some students come and go while some stay on, but preserverance is the key to mastering the skills,” the 63-year-old said.

Hong, a graduate of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, insists on letting her students’ imagination run freely during the classes.

This has resulted in some 100 colourful paintings on a variety of subjects.

Group effort: Hong’s students hanging up the paintings for the exhibition.

Lim Shiow Jen’s paintings, for instance, depict the tranquillity of the village scenery.

“Traditional Chinese ink paintings often portray the majestic mountains and rivers while I prefer to draw the local landscape.

“Whenever I paint, I enter a relaxing dimension,” the 52-year-old accounts clerk, who has been painting for about six years, said.

Retiree Christina Lee, 60, echoed her sentiments.

Lively: This piece, titled ‘Mai Xiang’ (Towards), by Hong Poh Gaik captures the koi’s forward movements

The newbie of the class said she gained confidence on discovering that she, too, could draw.

“I have always been interested in Chinese painting but I took up the lessons only a few months back, after persuading my daughter and son-in-law to come with me.

“During the weekly lesson, Hong would demonstrate the way to paint a subject and then we would follow suit, with the more experienced students adding their own creativity to perfect the painting,” she shared.

Kam Wui Mui, on the other hand, signed up for the classes because she was attracted by Hong’s paintings.

“Most Chinese ink paintings are dull but Hong’s are colourful. Her gold fish are lively while her chrysanthemums are exquisite,” the 44-year-old housewife said.

The paintings that are being exhibited are for sale and part of the proceeds will be contributed to the SJK (C) Kuen Cheng 2 building fund.