This work looks more restful, composed and calm, with the clean lines and understated tones and muted mauve hues, understandably, because the fishermen have returned from sea, and probably having refreshed, are sorting out the catch with the women helping out. Overall, there is a light play of shadows. The skin tones here are also plain, and which adds to the soothing veneer. Pantai Sabak is known, of course, for its boat-building, of garishly colourful and decorative boats. On the darker side, Pantai Sabak was the landing point used by the Japanese to invade Malaysia during World War II. Self-taught Ismail had kept true to the batik painting tradition since the beginning although he also painted in watercolours. His interest in art was kindled in weekly classes under Nik Mahmood at the Padang Garang Malay School in Kota Baru, Kelantan from 1954-55, but he was really mentored by Khalil Ibrahim He started concentrating on Art in 1968, being a graphic designer cum illustrator for the Syarikat Percetakan Dian in Kota Baru, from 1979-91. He was a member of the Angkatan Pelukis SeMalaysia as well as the Persatuan Senilukis Kelantan (Peseni). With a Grade V music certificate in violin from the Royal School of Music in London, he worked part-time as a musician at Radio Televisyen Malaysia Kota Baru.