The artist focused on the fishing harbour and its surrounding coast lines, highlighting the livelihood of the fishermen at sea. Dense, intricate strokes brought out the structure of the harbour, surrounded by thatched wooden houses. Fishing boats are anchored along the harbour. The wide expanse of shore conveys the breadth of the landscape. Though little is known about M. Zain Idris, he was a rare State artist appointed by the Terengganu State Government. The Chief Minister afforded him a studio and residence in Kuala Terengganu, complete with a stipend. As an artist, he was driven by a wanderlust, and often travelled outside the State to paint, Kelantan and even as as far as Kuala Lumpur. Dubbed the Fisherman Artist, Zain had become a full time artist after he was discovered by the pioneer gallerist, art critic cum promoter Frank Sullivan, who even gave him a solo at his Samat Art Gallery. Sullivan was then Press Secretary to Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaya's first prime minister. He had a joint exhibition with Kasim Abas at the Equatorial Hotel KL in 1984, and at the Shangri-La Hotel KL in 1987.