Meet Naif Al-Yahyaei — a young Omani artist whose journey began at an early age with a deep fascination for portrait drawing and experimenting across different mediums. Over the years, Naif has developed a distinctive practice that blends traditional techniques such as oil and watercolor painting with digital art and design. As a graduate in Interior Design, he draws inspiration from Omani architecture and the urban environment around him, merging cultural identity with contemporary artistic approaches. His work reflects both personal exploration and a strong commitment to celebrating and reimagining Omani heritage through innovative, modern forms.

Since my childhood, when I was four or five years old, I discovered this talent that I always thank God for. I was passionate about portrait drawing and experimented with different mediums such as oil paints, colored pencils, watercolors, acrylics, and pastels, which I was especially fascinated by for their beautiful results. Over time, I settled on oil paints for a long period, and they remain the most enjoyable for me to this day. I still use traditional mediums alongside my later shift into digital art.

In 2024, one of my works created with charcoal and watercolor was included in the Fine Arts textbook for the first time, and that was a major motivation for me. My mother was my first supporter at the beginning, while my aunt provided me with educational clips when the internet started to spread. At the age of ten, I owned my first tablet and discovered drawing apps, experimenting with them. Later, I accidentally purchased the Procreate app and even tried to get a refund without success, but that turned out to be a great blessing; through it I began taking private commissions and developed my work to the level it has reached today. In fact, Procreate itself later admired one of my works, which gave me an extra push to keep going.

As an Interior Design graduate, I wasn’t able to give the field its due at first, but I recently decided to integrate it into my art and blend it with the urban environment and traditional houses I see around me. I also learned 3D software such as SketchUp and used it to produce my current works by creating simple 3D models of traditional houses something that, God willing, will form the basis for future sculptures and artistic pendants that carry the identity of my country and contribute to spreading our culture in a way that keeps up with the times.

In the future, I aspire to produce innovative interactive digital works and unique art products that represent Omani architecture and our national identity, by combining traditional painting with interactive elements and animating digital works so they become experiences that the audience can directly engage with.

My advice to every ambitious beginner: invest your money, effort, and abilities in yourself you are your first supporter after God. Don’t rush, and don’t confine yourself to one style or artistic school; let yourself search and discover what you truly love. And beware of arrogance — it is the first barrier to growth. Always listen to constructive criticism with an open mind.