Four talented young Omani artists swapped the September heat of Oman with a frosty British autumn to develop their art skills. The group, all of whom teach art in the Sultanate of Oman, were carefully selected from a large number of aspiring artists in Oman. The four artists spent 2 weeks at the Welsh Academy of Art developing their artistic skills under the tutorage of British artist Lucy Corbett. Lucy had previously spent a total of a month painting and exhibiting in Oman and so she understood how inspiring it is to see a foreign landscape. 

Despite the cold weather, the artists were taught to paint ‘en plain air’. They enthusiastically embraced all aspects of the intensive course, studying still life, landscape and portrait painting. They were each provided an exceptional selection of oil paints, brushes, pallet knives, and canvases by Daler-Rowney, but they also required some additional warm clothing to help them acclimatise to the UK weather.

Ahmed Al Qasimi highlighted the benefits of the artists’ trip: “Coming to Wales helped me develop my composition and perspective. It has also improved how I see the colours in what I am painting. I have learnt to be bold and brave and look forward to bringing what I have learned back to Oman.”

The visit was arranged by the British Omani Society to support emerging Omani artists, building on the close cultural and artistic links between Oman and the UK. It was made possible through the generous sponsorship of organisations in Oman and the UK, with materials provided by Daler-Rowney. 

Following their time in Wales, the artists spent the final 2 weeks of their visit in London, where they visited a wide range of galleries and art establishments to further inspire their creative spirit and build their understanding of the art world. At the end of the month-long visit, an exhibition of their work was held at the British Omani Society in Piccadilly, London.

Majid Al Amri said of his trip to Wales and London: “This place is amazing. We have been working hard to develop our artwork. It has been a fantastic opportunity.”

The artists have all now returned to their teaching jobs in Oman. They all have a renewed commitment and energy to progress their individual work while continuing to inspire future Omani artists. They have also returned home with a fabulous selection of paints and equipment to continue their journey with.