The retired insurance agent used to excel at painting in his secondary school days, and had even served as the art club president in Chung Ling High School in Penang in the late 50s.
Under the guidance of prominent artists, including Khaw Sia, his artworks were chosen to be part of the Young Malaysian Artists exhibition and even earned him a scholarship to study art in Taiwan.
Back on track: Teh is finally painting again after a hiatus of 40 years.
But he turned down the offer because he wanted to start working to earn a living as his family was not well-to-do.
"I came to Kuala Lumpur and my second job was as a clerk in a local bookstore in Jalan Ampang.
"When I was free on weekends, I painted at Port Klang, capturing the atap houses and scenery on my canvases," the 76-year-old, who hailed from Batu Kurau in Perak, recalled.
An English man from Penang liked his paintings and bought one for RM50 — his very first painting sold.
When an editor was having a book exhibition in the Chinese Assembly Hall, his paintings were showcased as well.
More paintings were sold but when Teh left the company and ventured into car sales and later, insurance, he gradually stopped painting.
Gentle flow: 'Home Sweet Home' captures Teh's fascination with the scenery at fishing villages.
"For the subsequent years, I focused on expanding my business and did not touch my paint brushes at all.
"But I kept myself up-to-date with the art scene by attending my friends' exhibitions whenever time permitted," said the grandfather of four.
After he retired, a friend encouraged him to paint again and since he has the time now, he heeded his friend's advice.
From watercolour, he started to dabble in oil painting under the influence of artist Eston Tan.
Standing tall: The Pulpit Rock at Cape Schanck in Australia.
"Oil painting is more 'forgiving' as it allows us to make corrections," he observed.
Since he has developed an interest in golf, golf courses naturally became one of his painting subjects.
Besides the lush green fields, Teh also paints plants and landscapes.
The exhibition runs until April 30. Han's Art Gallery is located at L320, 3rd Floor, Amcorp Mall, 18, Persiaran Barat, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
For details, call 012-287 0511 (Khor).
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