Artist Secrets - series 2 - episode 4
Click the image to watch episode 4 of Artist Secrets series 2
Water-based oil paints - Join the Rev-OIL-ution!
Allura is pleased to publish the fourth episode in series two of Artist Secrets.
Episode 4 - Water-based oils features local student artist Ylenia Schembri, two-time winner of the Sovereign Student Art Prize.
The episode begins with a conversation between Ylenia and host Laura Swale, one of the judges in the competition, during which Ylenia talks about her artistic process, her choice of materials and her love of portraiture.
Laura Swale (left) and Ylenia Schembri (right)
Allura has been involved with the Sovereign Student Art Prize since its inception in Malta, and in series one of Artist Secrets featured previous winner Paraskovia Podorvana.
Following her own success with the prize, Ylenia became an obvious choice for Artist Secrets series two.
Me, Myself and I by Ylenia Schembri - Sovereign Student Art Prize Judges' Prize winner 2021
If you’d like to find out more about the Sovereign Student Art Prize, here are some of our previous articles from the Times of Malta.
Devozzjoni (Devotion) by Ylenia Schembri - Judges’ Prize Winner 2023
In Episode 4 Ylenia demonstrates the various ways in which she uses water-based oils, using a range of alla prima techniques to paint an original portrait with realistic skin tones and sparkling eyes.
The demonstration is full of tips which other artists may find useful, and which art teachers can use in class as a teaching resource in their lessons.
Ylenia Schembri demonstrating her painting techniques with water-based oils
An overhead still-shot taken before Ylenia started painting
Episode 4 is a useful introduction to the relatively new painting medium water-based oils.
Ylenia uses Cobra water-based oils by Royal Talens.
Here is what Royal Talens have to say about the Cobra range.
Solvent-free oil painting!
Cobra is a professional oil paint with the same high-quality pigments and viscosity you know and love, without having to use harmful solvents. Your workspace can now be free of solvents like turpentine, as the only thing you need to dilute Cobra is water!
Together we can claim a solvent-free future. Are you ready to join the rev-OIL-ution?
Cobra. The new generation of oil paint.
Ylenia uses Cobra water-based oils
In other episodes, series two also covers watercolour, acrylic, oil and gouache, and techniques including impasto, glazing, wet-on-wet, collage and image transfer.
The result of the painting session in Episode 4 is a striking portrait entitled Pronounced, which does not disappoint. Watch the video to the end to see the finished piece, you’ll be glad you did.
Ylenia Schembri during her painting demonstration
A big thank you to Ylenia Schembri
We would like to thank Ylenia for taking part in Artist Secrets and for being so generous in sharing her knowledge and skills. She rose to the challenge, articulating herself beautifully on camera and delivering an exceptional piece of work. This was all the more impressive because Ylenia was just 15 years old at the time of filming. Not only was Ylenia easily as capable as the other artists who took part, but she was also a joy to work with.
Ylenia's painting part-way through
The artists
Who are the other artists featured in series two?
The other eight artists in series two are Allura Art artists Kevin Sciberras, Natasha Dadush, Bob Cardona, Marianne Ogden, Jo Dounis, Vania Goshe, Andrew Smith and Christine Porter Lofaro.
Episodes 5 to 9 will be published over the coming days and we’ll keep you in the loop with a blog post dedicated to each one. Keep an eye out for episode five!
Once they are published, you can watch episodes on the link below:
Future episodes from series 2 of Artist Secrets will be available on the above page when published
Art Store Malta
The art materials featured in series two are supplied by Art Store Malta. This newly launched online art materials store offers unbeatable prices on a selection of globally renowned brands, including Rembrandt, Amsterdam and Van Gogh. Allura is pleased to be collaborating with Art Store Malta and to be associated with its historic brands. To find out more about Art Store Malta or to shop online for art materials click here.
Click the image to visit the Art Store Malta website
About Artist Secrets
The Artists Secrets series is produced by Allura, with hosting by Laura Swale and photography and videography by Bernadett Mozer. The series is part of the Allura Open Art Studios Programme, which is supported by Arts Council Malta through the Programme Support Scheme. The programme is produced in collaboration with the Corinthia Palace Hotel, the Sovereign Art Foundation and Attard and Co. Art materials are by Royal Talens and are available at Art Store Malta.
For news and updates from Allura, follow the Allura Art blog, join the mailing list or follow Allura on Facebook.
Finally, in case you’re new to Allura Art…
About the Allura Art Collection
The Allura Art Collection is an evolving, curated collection of original paintings, by more than a dozen contemporary painters based in Malta and Gozo. The Allura Art website features pieces in a variety of genres, styles and sizes to suit home, office or commercial interiors. Original paintings also make beautiful and unique gifts, and the search by price page makes it easy to browse according to your budget.
The Allura Art collection is regularly updated with new artwork and new artists. To receive updates by email, join our mailing list.
About the Allura Art advisory service
Allura Art also offers an advisory service, which serves commercial and residential property owners, as well as architects and designers, either seeking direction, or looking to commission a bespoke series or site-specific piece.
Whether residential or commercial, Allura can source, commission or design individual pieces or curate a selection tailored to an interior design scheme.
Allura also welcomes professional relationships with architects and designers as well as contact from other interested parties.
Allura Art deals only in genuine and authenticated originals which are sourced directly from reputable living painters. We offer original fine art at studio prices with secure online payment and safe shipping internationally or local delivery throughout Malta and Gozo. Visit the Allura Art website or find Allura on Facebook or Instagram at @allura_malta. Contact Allura at info@allura.mt or +356 99583389.
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