Artists in Schools Program at SMK Hutan Melintang (A.i.S #7)

A.i.S#7 : “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see”- Edgar Degas

In front of about 40 Form Two students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Hutan Melintang, Perak, the soft-spoken Nashrul, shared his knowledge and skills on the application of water color but most importantly, to be bold and “brave” in not using pencil to start off. However, most importantly, he encouraged the students to feel free in drawing whatever they want to without worrying so much of what people will think of it and drawing “not what you see but what you think you see.” No wonder he was fond of bringing Picasso, Kandinsky and Van Gogh as brilliant examples.

“If you are drawing an apple, and people know that you are drawing one, that should be good enough,” he quoted.

After a precise skillful demonstration on painting using water colors, he asked the students to come up with their own drawings. Moving around the class, he transparently and honestly complimented and commented their drawings. Combining his technical skills and flair for beauty, he did so very passionately in a way that only a true and sincere artist can. The manner in which some students drew was a reflection of his simple yet motivating style of delivery. Indeed, a true artist is an artist who cares and shares. That is exactly the spirit of Artists in School program.