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Macau's budding artists say their hometown is a source of inspiration.

But, once they leave school, they are not sure how useful their talents would be in a casino-driven economy.

Macau's tranquility, natural scenery and bustling foreign trade inspired poets and painters many years ago.

Today, when 16-year-old Ieong I-mei paints  on canvas, she gets ideas from the unique mix of eastern and western architecture, or the cultural festivals that take place frequently in the city.

I-mei was awarded the 'first class prize' in the high school section  of a nationwide contest last year.

Under the theme  'Beijing 2008', children and youth submitted  their best pieces of calligraphy, painting or photography.

This year, despite her heavier workload as a Form Four student, I-mei is determined  to hone her western painting skills.

'In Macau, fine arts are not as important as academic subjects,' she said.

'But  I've  seen  six-year-olds who can paint like a professional. They take their  hobbies  seriously, not as something that distracts   them from their studies.'

Another promising artist, Pou Ka-ieng, 15, has won awards for her Chinese paintings.

She said she could not  imagine painting as her career, but she would continue her hobby for as long as she could.

'My paintings may be boring to other 15-year-olds,' she acknowledged. 'But my school teacher and painting tutor have given me a lot of encouragement. This is certainly not something I do because my parents want me to.'

Even if Ka-ieng remains an amateur, her painting skills will be recognised. The teenager  has achieved fourth grade in the Chinese national calligraphy and painting examination,  and will  try to reach the next level.

Even among grown-up amateurs, few have attained the maximum 10 grades.

Both I-mei and Ka-ieng suggested  that students in Hong Kong might find it more difficult to pursue non-academic hobbies because they are under pressure from public examinations.

In Macau, there is no equivalent of the HKCEE or A-levels. Students apply to local and overseas universities based on their academic performance.

But the former Portuguese enclave has its drawbacks. Its economy, which largely revolves around tourism and the gaming industry,  offers few opportunities for artists.

'Maybe there will be nothing to paint except casinos and hotels,' said Kam Mei-leng, 15, an award-winning Chinese calligrapher. 'Maybe we can all work at casinos and hotels, and pursue our interests after work.'



Artists draw inspiration