Draughtsman Quits After 30 Years, Finds True Calling In Painting

By Noornasrin Salsabila Othman

KOTA BHARU, June 20 (Bernama) -- After more than three decades in the field of architecture, Ramlee Hamzah has transitioned into the world of painting, making the canvas his new stage to express his emotions, capture memories and find inner peace.

The 57-year-old graduate in architecture from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia left his job as a draughtsman after 34 years, choosing a more personal and liberating artistic path. What was once a hobby has now become both a source of income and a form of therapy.

Ramlee's artistic journey began unintentionally in 2018 following the passing of his father Hamzah Yacob.

“I took care of my father for five years (before he passed away) and we became very close during that period.

“When he was gone, I felt empty and deeply lonely. My first painting was a portrait of my late father… it was more than just a picture — it was an expression of my hidden feelings,” he told Bernama recently.

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Unexpectedly, the portrait of his father that he posted on Facebook received an overwhelming response. Many were moved by its beauty and soon, orders began pouring in from friends and acquaintances.

Realising that his hobby was opening a new source of income for him, Ramlee made a major decision in 2020 to quit his job and pursue painting full-time.

“Previously, I faced a lot of pressure and had a rigid routine. But since venturing into art, I’ve found peace. Each time I complete a piece, there's a sense of satisfaction and relief that’s hard to describe,” he said.

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Ramlee uses various mediums such as charcoal, oil paint, acrylic, pastel and watercolour to produce a range of works from portraits and figures to caricatures, landscapes and cultural elements like wau (traditional kite) and perahu kolek (traditional boat) which reflect a sense of heritage and identity.

“Charcoal and oil paintings are the most popular with my customers because they last long and look almost lifelike,” he added.

In a day, Ramlee can produce up to 50 simple caricatures. However, more complex figure or portrait pieces can take up to two months, depending on the intricacy and detail required.

In terms of pricing, his artwork starts as low as RM10 for basic caricatures, while exclusive paintings can go up to RM2,500 each.

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“Painting isn’t just about putting colours on canvas. It requires passion, patience and soul. When expressed honestly, it comes to life and touches the heart of the viewer,” he said.

Ramlee is now actively participating in art exhibitions across the country. He is also pleased that two of his five children have inherited his artistic talent.

“This art is not just a livelihood, it’s a legacy,” he added. 

-- BERNAMA