One of the beautiful paintings by Abeer Al-Ghamdi — Courtesy photoSaudi Gazette Abeer Al-Ghamdi is a distinguished Saudi artist and her work has been on display in a number of art exhibitions. Last year, her painting won second place at Al-Baha University in the artistic competition and the theme was congratulating the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on his good health and safe return to the Kingdom. Her artwork has received much praise and recognition in the Kingdom. Abeer Al-Ghamdi revealed that she became a skilled and well-known artist despite the negative remarks that she used to hear from her art teacher in elementary school. “My art teacher in primary school was on the brink of putting an end to my passion for drawing. She used to accuse me of having an adult do my work for me. She did not believe that I had done my art homework on my own without any help. I remained persistent and kept trying to be the best in my class,” said Al-Ghamdi. Art classes took a turn for the better during her intermediate level and her new art teacher truly admired and appreciated her work. “My teacher helped nurture my talent and very soon, my drawings and paintings were the center of attention at my school's art exhibitions and activities,” she said. Saudi women's creativity and ingenuity is rapidly beaming through and women are leaving a leaving mark in the world of art in Saudi Arabia. “Most of my work has a message that is sometimes apparent to the viewer but at other times is more difficult to discern. Every artist uses her paint brush in a special way to express either her emotions or concerns or a fantasy or her impression of the world around her. One painting portrayed the feminine modesty and shyness,” said Abeer Al-Ghamdi. In her view, art is at the core of a society. Art is a reflection of the social environment, realities, ideology, and philosophies. Artists draw, mix colors, and paint to create the final picture which is reach in the meanings and complexities of life. Art allows freedom of expression. Abeer Al-Ghamdi tends to focus more on realism in her art. Realism in a work of art exists whenever something has been well observed and accurately depicted. As for what keeps her artistic talent flowing, Abeer said, “Anything around me can spark a new idea. The town where I live, Al-Aqiq, is definitely a source of inspiration for me.” __
