web DeskGUA MUSANG, Oct 24 (Bernama) — Retired teacher Mohd Ariffin Mohd Nawi may be in his golden years but his paintings comprising regular paintings, watercolours and oil paintings, as well as calligraphy continue to be in high demand.
More interesting is that Mohd Ariffin, 63, did not receive formal art classes but picked it up when he was in school.
Speaking to Bernama, Mohd Ariffin said initially he painted as a hobby in primary school, and the first painting he sold was when he was in Form Two. It was a black-and-white work.
“I have produced more than 1,000 art works including calligraphy, watercolours and oil paintings, as well as gloss and pastel paintings that have different finishes.
“There are various techniques using painting materials. For example in pastel painting, I do not use a paint brush unless there are details, unlike watercolours, oil and gloss paintings which require the use of a brush while working,” he said at his residence in Taman Wangi here recently.
Using the pen name, ‘Arina’, he said the gloss paintings are easier to sell as pricing is not as expensive as oil paintings.
“Usually it is difficult for people to know the difference between oil and gloss, but there is a big price difference between these two types of paintings. Gloss paintings are cheaper and many people buy them in addition to portrait paintings that use pastel paints,” he said.
Elaborating further, Mohd Ariffin, fondly known as Cikgu Ripin, said he can complete a portrait painting within a day if it does not have complicated details.
“However, for paintings of sceneries or fruits, at least four days are needed to complete (a painting),” he also said.
Mohd Ariffin regularly exchanges opinions with other artists from all over the country through a smartphone application to maintain quality and beautiful paintings.
“My paintings can sell between RM80 and RM300 depending on the size. Nothing wrong if we sell them cheap while wanting to continue this hobby because there are people who are interested in buying (the paintings) but cannot afford them if the prices are high,” he added.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
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