Sketching an artistic future

Bahrain is a haven for young, aspiring artists and Indian-born Shabana Feroze feels the place is ideal to promote her creative    talents.

The 24-year-old marketing executive belongs to a third generation of expatriates living on the island and is most renowned in the island’s art circle for her ability to sketch out instant portraits.

She said: “Painting is a lot of fun. When you start painting after a long break, you suddenly get a rush of ideas and you itch to reflect them on canvas.”

While pursuing a degree in marketing and advertising from India, she was trained under her maternal uncle who gave her tips on the techniques of using oils.

She said: “He is my biggest inspiration as he also got me into dabbing on oil paints which I enjoy using thoroughly.”

Shabana, who lives with her family in Sanabis, held her first exhibition with Elham when she participated in the art society’s ‘Street Art’ event which was featured on Bahrain Television during Eid last year.

She developed a passion for sketching during her school days and drew her first portrait of the late Amir Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa for an art competition.

Her work was soon in demand by family and friends wanting portraits as gifts and mementoes.

To test her versatility, during the Elham20 session at Albareh Art Gallery, she sketched faces from the crowd. She said: “It was quite challenging as there were other activities going on around me.

“Thankfully, it went well and I got some favourable comments. It was a very inspiring experience.”

Shabana’s style of painting is defined and traditional. She added: “I find Leonardo da Vinci’s art very interesting … it has so many hidden meanings and different dimensions.”