I haven’t talked much about my journey as a portrait artist and why I stopped, even though it’s the most loved genre of painting. If you’ve been following me long enough you know that I’ve only shown you tutorials on still lifes and some paper crafting projects in the past. But, I’ve never really talked about my portrait business.
Yes, I started my art journey as a portrait artist and actually started a side business taking portrait commissions while I worked full time in Malaysia. Prior to moving to the United States, I got the opportunity to have my Princess Diana portraits published in a UK pop art book. As a result, I had some press mentions in Malaysia as well as here in the US.
So if everything was going well, what made me leave the portrait business?
I’m going to explain the ultimate reason why and the journey that led me to leave my portrait business forever!
As I painted my portraits alone in my apartment, I listened to Islamic lectures from Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Shaykh Yusuf Estes, and Dr Bilal Philips. I don’t remember which shaykh, but one of them explained about the punishment of painting portraits of souls. I stopped right there and then and said to myself that I had no choice but to stop painting portraits. It’s not worth it to make tons of money here but jeopardize my fate in the Hereafter.
You may think I’m nuts because, prior to that, my Princess Diana’s paintings had been published in an international book with 150 other artists from around the world and yet now, I am going to leave the portrait business. You can see my Princess Diana paintings in ‘Diana in Art’ by Mem Mehmet. If you’re in LA, you can find this book at the Los Angeles Public Library.
I went cold turkey once I decided to stop painting portraits. I reluctantly, but firmly, turned down several portrait commission requests. I told my husband about my intentions and he was quite sad and asked me what about the art materials he bought for me. I made up my mind and I wanted to follow Islam properly. I’d have to leave something that I really love for the sake of God.
Now, what happened after I stopped doing portraits?
I acquired more skills, studied Islam in more depth, and started to teach myself the Quran. But, most importantly, I have gained peace in my heart since I stopped painting people’s portraits. I also began to look at my surroundings more and started to really appreciate the beauty that Allah provides for us. And that has become my new subject.
But it took me about 10 years to restart painting with pastel after I left portraits. The majority of my portraits were made from pastel.
I learned new skills and it took a few years, but at least I didn’t paint people’s portraits anymore.
So my advice to my young creative Muslims, please don’t do portraits. People can say painting faces is okay or half body is okay, but it doesn’t matter. Do you want to stop the angels of mercy from coming to your home because you have these paintings displayed on your walls?
There are a lot of other subjects that are begging to be painted that are halal and permissible. As one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “If you must, paint scenery, but do not draw or carve humans or animals.”
Having been a portrait artist for so many years, I can tell you that it’s the most difficult genre to paint and usually the highest paid. But as a Muslim artist, what’s the point in being super rich in the dunya but getting eternal punishment in the hereafter.
So make your choice wisely. And if I can do it, so can you!
Stay kreatif,
Siti
