The Star 2 Front Cover: Horse Painting by James Phua

I received a call from a reporter of The Star Publication Sdn Bhd one day in December last year.

Majorie Chiew, the reporter told me over the telephone that The Star would like to adopt my horse painting to be its 2014 Cover Page.

I was a bit surprised by the sudden invitation. As far as I know, The Star, the most popular newspaper in Malaysia, seldom use any artist’s artwork for its cover page.

Majorie said The Star would like to commission me to do a brown horse galloping towards front exclusively for The Star 2.

It is my honor to have my horse painting to be the cover page of The Star.

I completed the ‘wanted’ horse painting and sent a digital image to Majorie on 13 January.

Majorie was so excited to see my horse painting. I didn’t expect that she actually sent an email to me and said: “I opened the attachment and the face of the horse is so realistic! And the footwork absolutely indicates its agility. It is what I imagine so.  Now, the mane is gorgeous, a beautiful and graceful horse.”

Thank you for your comment, Majorie and The Star editorial team.

You write from the heart as I paint with my heart and skills.

Best regards,

James Phua

Star2 31 Jan 2014 coverpage