Oil on canvas. Dimensions ( 290 x 120 cms ) / ( 114.17 x 47.24 inches ).

This project is done with oils on canvas. The concept was planned carefully for the last few years and I had done considerable background research to do full justice and stay true to Muttrah Corniche's unique character. The painting took me 15 months to complete and I had the canvas cut specifically for this project's requirements. Maintaining precision of size and scale was important.
When seen at a close distance, I wanted the viewer to see the intricate details, at the same time, when seen from a distance I was emphatic that the certain details must not become too small to be incomprehensible. I also wanted to ensure that the some colours merge together through retinal fusing. I have attempted my best to use design composition, colours and methods to authentically translate Muttrah's incredible visual beauty.
For painting references and inspiration, I used several existing images and also the ones taken by me. Muttrah has always fascinated me with its blend of vibrancy and tranquillity. While painting this piece I discovered the depth of calmness generated within the external noise. Each of my visits to the location was able to validate this. Over the course of several visits, I spent many hours looking at the subject – slowly, carefully, and repeatedly – to identify the elements that make its magic. I decided that in order to get the true elements of Muttrah, there must be no people, no trees, no vehicles – and seen in isolation. For it radiates an energy on its own and shows its true Omani positive energy best portrayed this way.
There are several wonderful paintings and photographs of Muttrah already and I wanted this piece to communicate the vibrancy in a unique way. Oman has been inspirational.
Parts of the subject were separated into the more and the less significant, since no description can include everything, and assumptions must be separated from factual observations. A philosophical epiphany I had while painting this subject was that I realized that it’s easy to confuse what we think we see, with what we really know is there. Only once this is clearly understood comes the job of finding the sequence of separation and visual communication for an artist. In effect, altering reality consists of two separate acts: first is that of separation – isolating the visual significance, removing distractions and bending reality; second turning a private viewing experience into one which can immediately resonate with other viewers through subtle communication.

 View Video: MUTTRAH