Oman by Art Safari

We are delighted to introduce Arabian Days & Nights, Art Safari’s first painting holiday in Oman, led by Mary-Anne Bartlett. This is a destination we have wanted to explore with our artists for some time, and we are excited to bring it into our programme.

The Sultanate of Oman lies on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula. It has a long and independent history shaped by trade, seafaring, and desert life. Unlike some of its neighbours, Oman has retained a strong sense of identity, with well-preserved architecture, traditional towns, and a relaxed, welcoming culture. We will bring our sketchbooks and paint as much as we can.

Much of the country is defined by desert, with central gravel plains and wide, undulating dunes in rich burnt sienna and soft ochre tones. Wind-carved ripples move across the sands, constantly changing with the light, making this an endlessly rewarding landscape for artists. We also hope to find wildlife in the desert.

Within this arid environment are striking contrasts. We visit palm-fringed wadis and crystal-clear sinkholes, where fresh water gathers and vegetation thrives. These oases offer quieter, shaded locations for painting and introduce reflections and cooler colours into our work.

Our itinerary also includes time in Muscat, Oman’s modern capital and historic trading port. Here we will walk through some of the oldest souks in the Arab world, visit grand palaces, and explore impressive modern mosques that reflect Oman’s balance of tradition and contemporary life. Throughout the journey, we will also encounter Oman’s distinctive forts — many dating from the 16th and 17th centuries — built to protect settlements and trade routes. These sand-coloured structures provide strong architectural subjects for sketching, with clear forms, texture, and a real sense of history.

We travel along the coast to traditional fishing villages with unspoilt beaches, where turquoise waters meet pale sands and wooden dhows rest on the shore. These coastal scenes offer a very different palette and atmosphere from the desert interior.

A highlight of the holiday is our journey into the Wahiba Sands. Travelling by 4WD, we venture deep into the dunes to spend two nights under canvas. Painting sessions will focus on the cooler parts of the day, particularly early morning and late afternoon, when the light is at its most subtle. Evenings are relaxed, with shared meals and exceptional stargazing — the desert night skies here are remarkably clear.

Accommodation throughout the trip has been selected for comfort, character, and suitability for artists, offering welcoming places to rest and reflect after each day’s painting. Tuition will be practical and supportive, suitable for experienced beginners through to more confident painters, with plenty of individual guidance.

This holiday is ideal for those who enjoy painting on location, travelling at a considered pace, and experiencing a landscape that is visually rich, historically layered, and refreshingly authentic.