The ability to draw and paint well is of course an inborn talent but an enlightened teacher can probably teach almost anyone the basics of art and get the talented to enhance their skills.

Sabreena Joonoos, a very talented artist herself is the director of the White Art Gallery, which offers a workshop series for aspiring artists of all levels and age groups. Nine young kids between the ages of 5 – 12 years participated in the first kids workshop on May 16 and 17. The children were working
diligently on their own drawings with Sabreena's guidance when I walked in on them.

According to Sabrina, children are very interested in art and it can also prove a vibrant and colourful hobby to remove the stress in a child's life. She tries to offer a soothing home environment in her classes where the children are served brownies, cupcakes etc and chilled drinks to help them relax.

As I watch the class progress, she guides one little girl to leave a little patch of her apple unshaded, to reflect its shine, takes another little girl to the balcony to observe how the trunk of a tree is not just one shade of brown but different shades.

She shows her how to mix her colours to achieve that effect. Another young boy is shown how to mix blue and white in his painting of a river to obtain a rippling effect.

I asked Sabrina, whose vibrant, beautiful paintings can be seen all over her house, where she learnt her techniques. "Mostly through the internet and books," she smiles.

Now she imparts her well researched knowledge to all those who wish to seek it from her. Her own children, Umar and Aisha aged 10 and 8, are already accomplished artists.

Her weekend workshops cost Rs. 600 for both days and individual classes can be had at any time for
Rs. 500 per lesson. Sabreena is also planning a project to conduct her classes and competitions as
entertainment for children at birthday parties.

For more information, you can visit her website: www.white.lk