We explore the work of a 26-year old Saudi expressionist painter.
What do you do other than painting?
I work as a communications engineer at Saudi Aramco.
What’s your medium?
My medium is heavy body acrylic paint. I use brushes but my go to tools are palette knives. There’s just something about the use of palette knives that gives the painting a more vivid and powerful feel.
What kind of artworks inspire you?
Artworks that are more focused on expression through shapes and color. The beauty of abstract art is that its sole purpose is to express as opposed to delivering a message or telling a story. Like any other form of art, the end result is important but with abstract expressionism, the artist is more interested in the process of creation rather than how a painting may turn out. It’s what experience and energy you are gaining or releasing throughout the process that matters.
Who are your favorite artists?
Rothko, J.M.W. Turner, Theodor Alexander, Jackson Pollock, and Helen Frankenthaler.
Why do you paint?
There’s something about painting that is quite energizing, and you are releasing that energy and transforming it into something that is visual. My process is a more intuitive one, with a focus on “dynamic and energetic” gesture which allows me to value the process. This technique allows for continuous improvisation and exploration across the canvas, it leaves room for experimentation which is the essence of creation.
What’s the hardest part of being a painter?
Dedication. A lot of people think that talent is something that is just given to you when in most cases, it’s about putting in the hours. The only reason why I am able to paint the way I can now is because I chose to invest in painting. Because I work in layers, a lot of my paintings require that I paint continuously for 12 hours per layer. The only way you learn new techniques, especially with knife painting, is if you experiment and allow yourself to explore, that takes time.
Most fun piece you worked on? Why?
A triptych, 4 x 2.5 m commission seascape painting that I am currently working on. I’ve always enjoyed working on larger scale canvases. With size you are create a greater impact for the viewer.
What are you planning to do with your paintings?
Most of my paintings are put up for sale unless reserved for upcoming shows, some are currently being displayed in Jeddah and Kuwait, others are commissions.
What would you do if you weren’t a painter?
Not being a painter is not an option for me but if it were, I think my current day job would keep me busy enough. If we’re talking hypothetically, it would be in oceanology.
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