Artist U San Hlaing can draw oil and watercolor paintings in the European style and he can also draw, line drawings in Myanmar Traditional style.

He has studied art as his hobby since he was young till now he is 80 plus years old. He can draw almost every day. Sayargyi is honest and good-minded. He works with Buddha’s sermons and observes five precepts. His thought is sharp and powerful. He loved the country and people, so he fought by holding the weapon himself in the National Freedom Battle which is Anti-Expansionist colonialists and Anti-Fascist Revolution.

These mental activities and events were reflected in his works. His illustrations of Buddhist culture as the Traditional Buddha’s life are outstanding and amazing. Because of his sharp and powerful thoughts and profound experiences, his illustrations of military policy, economy, and society were also outstanding.

I like his artwork and I assigned illustrations every month for covers of “Myatmingalar ’’ Magazines which was conducted by me, Editor-in-Chief.

U San Hlaing illustrated the poem from a seven-day workshop by Ledi Sayardaw (The Monk of Ledi) as one poem per month was outstanding. He also drew the Eight Conquerors of Buddha, which was written by me in eight months completely. Now he is illustrating my 38 stories for good habit monthly and it was very popular.

He also illustrated not only the cover of Myatmingalar but also the “ Mingalar Maung Mae’’ Magazine. I am very pleased with his illustrations of Lowkaniti’s written homily, many poems by the ancient laureate, and personal experience novels which were written by the great author U Po Kyar.

He does not care the money and popularity. He tried and worked on his art to promote, it without boasting and wasting of time. Although he is 80 years old, he did not take a rest and could draw paintings. It is really wonderful.

I was satisfied with the association with him as an editor. We respect and understand each other. Sometimes, if I would like to reform in fact of his illustrations as an editor, I discuss it with him in due respect.

He also discussed and revised them. He is not proud of his experiences and has the collaboration of mind, which is very honorable. He practiced religious meditation as Vipsanna for seven days. He felt this taste and often practiced at his home. After that his artworks were more outstanding, I think.

I told him about some of the ancient Chinese artists and ancient Japanese artists who practiced religious meditation to get the probity and then drew. He understands it and he says that it is right as to his experience.

I believe that Sayargyi U San Hlaing is one of the most honorable artists.

Min Yu Wai
Poet, Author, and Editor