Areej AlQaysi strives to share the beauty, color, and positive aspects of life through her artwork. This goal is reflected in her favorite subjects—florals and portraiture—which allow her to celebrate both nature and human connection. Extensive travel has broadened her understanding of art, culture, and people, enriching both her perspective and her creative practice.

Interested in art since childhood, Areej began formal training in 2016, studying with several well-known artists. In 2020, she enrolled in design and painting studies at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she ultimately earned a certificate in painting.

A self-described Impressionist, Areej draws inspiration from artists whose work demonstrates mastery of light, brushwork, and portraiture. Among her strongest influences are John Singer Sargent for his effective use of light, Haidee-Jo Summers for her expressive and loose brushwork, and Faiq Hassan for his portraiture. In addition to being a practicing artist, Areej works professionally as a home designer and also teaches art.

She is currently creating artwork inspired by the novels of Agatha Christie for a Loudoun County library project. At the same time, she is in the early stages of planning a solo exhibition, exploring themes and concepts before committing them to canvas.

Areej approaches challenges and criticism as opportunities for growth. “Sometimes I leave a piece for a few days and come back to correct it,” she explains. “If it’s still not working, I leave it and do something else. There is something to learn every time.” As a lifelong learner, she values the observations and perspectives of others. “I appreciate all their observations and learn from them. We are human, and no one is perfect. We need each other to improve, especially when it comes to creativity.”

Her formal training is evident in her disciplined artistic process. “I create my own compositions, sometimes using my camera as a reference before sketching,” she says. “When I begin a canvas, I follow the rule of thirds, dividing the surface into sections, then draw my subjects and start with blocking my dark tones and moving on to the lighter ones.” Of all the art pieces she has created, the ones she is most proud of are of her home gardens in Baghdad and Amman. “I do love these two because I remember all their details.”