New Malaysian landscape paintings: Paintings of the monsoon season in Malaysia

Anyone who knows me knows that I am passionate about the Malaysian landscapes, and that I have a special love for the east coast of Malaysia. Having visited those places many times over the years, I was also curious to know how I would translate the monsoon atmosphere in the east coast on canvas.

Well, for the past several months, I have dedicated myself to painting the east coast monsoon season, specifically the landscapes of Terengganu, Pahang and Kelantan, the three east coast states of Malaysia.

The monsoon season usually arrives towards the end of the year and lasts till the beginning of the new year -- though lately, the seasonal changes are less predictable. It brings with it the rains, cool weather, and a sense of melancholy. At its worst, the monsoon season is a torrent of rain that floods unfortunate parts.

The changing of the season also brings about a change in the lifestyle of the people residing on the east coast. Fishermen stay home, the cuisine is different, but life carries on in a different way.

Over the course of several years, I made many trips to the east coast to document the changing season. Sometimes, I took photographs, sometimes I painted live, sometimes I just went there to visit friends and eat the fresh seafood there.

This year, I managed to complete several pieces of landscape paintings depicting the monsoon season in Malaysia. Some show the romantic sceneries, amid gathering clouds. There are scenes of idleness, daily vignettes, and lifestyles during this period.

I must say that I have enjoyed painting these landscapes of the east coast. Looking back at these paintings remind me of the adventures I had there and the wonderful people I was fortunate to meet.