About us

By Jacky Al-Samarraie

I founded The Art Rooms in 2007. Although I'd been creative from an early age, I didn’t pursue a career in Art until later in life.

Instead, I went into the caring profession and trained as a nursery nurse. I moved to London after leaving college from Liverpool where I grew up and became a nanny for a short time, then moved into a career in Social Services working with children & families. After a few years I left London and moved to live and work Abu Dhabi.

After returning to the UK, my life brought me to Bradford and eventually a return to Social Services where I spent 21 years.

During the time when my children were growing up I developed my creative skills through a variety of part time courses, then gradually moved into vocational studies. I studied Interior Decoration, followed by an HNC Graphic Design, gaining distinctions in both and then graduated with a first class honours degree in Graphic Media Communication in 2003. I studied at Bradford College of Art Design & Textiles, where David Hockney also studied. I loved every minute of being an Art student and having creativity back in my life.

I specialised in Graphic Art as it suited my style of work. As part of my studies, I developed a love and appreciation of printmaking and letterpress. I love the unique appearance and tactile quality of letterpress. At college I developed a style of work using blocks of colour, which later evolved into the creation of my signature Landscape collection.

I had the idea for my first Landscape in 2006, following an inspiring weekend in Robin Hoods Bay.

The combination of simple silhouetted tree lines with blocks of vibrant colour create a contemporary view of our gorgeous landscape.

The Landscapes have become incredibly popular over the past few years and they have taken me on an amazing journey. They have helped me to realise a dream and allow me to combine what I love to do whilst discovering the beautiful countryside and nature.

The opportunities to travel, explore and create are endless!