Ismail Mat Hussin was one artist who kept true to batik painting until his untimely demise in July 2015. His interest was kindled during weekly art painting classes under Nik Mahmood at Padang Garong Malay School in Kota Bharu from 1954 to 1955, and he was also a protégé of Khalil Ibrahim. He is the only remaining batik painter in Kelantan who uses this technique. He became a fulltime artist in 1968 until he started work as a graphic designer cum illustrator with Syarikat Percetakan Dian in Kota Bharu from 1979 to 1991. With a Grade V in the playing of violin, he also worked as a part-time musician with Radio-Televisyen Malaysia in Kota Bharu from 1965 to 1967. He was also a member of Angkatan Pelukis Semenanjung (APS) Kelantan Chapter and Persatuan Senilukis Kelantan (PESENI). His works are in the collection of Galeri Petronas, National Visual Arts Gallery, esteemed corporates and private collections locally and abroad.