Al Hajar Mountain range
Jebel Akhdar, (Green Mountain) is part of the Al Hajar Mountain range in Oman. It is the highest point in the whole of Oman and eastern Arabia. The area is over 2 hours drive from Muscat and one must drive through a passport control point in a 4 x 4 if one wishes to explore the fascinating villages dotted around the area. The locals grow pomegranates, apricots, peaches and walnuts on the ancient terraces which are irrigated by an equally old but sophisticated irrigation system called falaj. The area is also famous for rose water extraction.
Sahab Hotel
I’ve painted a number of commissioned watercolours over the last few years of various views of Jebel Akhdar. I’ve also been a couple of times to paint on location. It’s noticeably cooler than sea level which is why many folk living in Oman often take the journey up the mountains in the scorching temperatures of summer. The new Sahab hotel situated on the plateaux at the summit boasts fine views over the surrounding mountains. It was from their grounds that I did a small sketchbook watercolour and took the photographs necessary to do this large watercolour titled Jebel Akhdar.
Anantara Hotel
In 2018 Susan and I were able to go to Jebel Akhdar again and we stayed at the fantastic Anantara Hotel for a couple of nights. I had great time painting around this spectacular landscape. When we first went to Jebel Akhdar, there was no hotel. Now it has become a must place to visit. It’s a testimony to the way Sultan Qaboos has taken Oman forward into the 21st Century.
The scene depicted is of Jebel Akhdar (which translates to “Green Mountain”) in the Al Hajar Mountains range of Oman.
From Diana’s Point sketches on location the work is rooted in direct observation of the landscape.
The painting reflects more than just the mountain: the local agricultural terraces (where pomegranates, apricots, peaches and walnuts are grown) and the traditional irrigation system (falaj) which are referenced in the description.
Visual & Compositional Features
A rugged mountainous terrain with strong geological form: Jebel Akhdar’s ridges, cliffs and terraces are key features.
The painting emphasises the interplay of light and shadow across the rock face and terraces capturing the light in Oman.
The terraces, the cultivation of fruit trees and the ancient irrigation system give a sense of place and human interaction with the dramatic landscape.
Provenance & Display
The original watercolour painting was exhibited at the Royal Watercolour Society competition in 2013 and was displayed at the Bankside Gallery in London.
The original was sold and what remains is a limited edition print signed and numbered.
Why It Matters
The piece stands out in Reed’s oeuvre because of the major award and because the subject is visually and culturally rich — combining dramatic terrain with human agricultural activity in a remote part of Oman.
It reflects artistic travel and on‑site work, showing how landscape painting can capture more than topography but also time of day, light, and human‑nature interplay.
For a collector or enthusiast, this watercolour represents a synthesis of travel, site‑specific study and refined studio work culminating in recognised achievement (award).