Churches and chapels - new from Andrew Smith
Welcome to the latest post from the Allura Art blog. This time we reveal a selection of new artwork by our busiest painter, Andrew Smith.
While the prolific Andrew Smith, who currently goes out painting on location almost every day, has produced many new pieces of work so far this year, here we focus on his most recent depictions of Malta’s ecclesiastical buildings. The rest of Andrew’s new work can be found on the Allura Art website and is available to purchase.
Andrew Smith on a location painting trip to Gozo
Andrew paints often, and this dedication to his craft has resulted in increasingly beautiful pieces from this keen artist. One of Andrew Smith’s paintings was described by The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours as one of the “best contemporary water-based media paintings from around the globe” when it was selected for its 208th annual exhibition in 2020 at the Mall Galleries in London.
New paintings by Andrew
Here are some of Andrew’s latest paintings of churches and chapels.
San Pawl tal-Qleigha Chapel, Mosta is an impressionistic interpretation of the chapel near Mosta and was completed on location, en plein air. The artist depicts the chapel set amongst the surrounding greenery, illuminated brightly on a fresh, sunny day.
Qrendi Church, Raincloud was completed en plein air from the roof of the local band club. An approaching storm gives a dramatic twist to this watercolour piece.
Andrew enjoys painting these majestic and dramatic buildings.
“I like to alternate and mix up the locations I paint in, and I am always looking for new places to paint,” he says, “Malta and Gozo have diverse bombastic architecture and breathtaking skylines.”
“We have an abundance of diverse subjects such as urban areas, countryside, harbours, and of course churches in a very small area.”
Kuncizzjoni, Malta was executed using the alla prima technique (direct painting wet-on-wet) on location on a crisp spring morning. The artist interprets the countryside chapel in a painterly manner in watercolour to capture the fleeting movement of the clouds on this light, breezy day.
St John's chapel on the outskirts of Naxxar is a quaint chapel located close to the northern coastline and the sea. The artist paints his subject with loose brushstrokes and uses watercolour to dramatic effect.
“I typically paint en plein air for a time of one to three hours per painting,” says Andrew, “depending on the subject and the painting’s size.”
Andrew Smith at work in his studio
“Painting outdoors provides a method of disconnecting from distractions and allowing the creative process to flourish. Nevertheless large scale, or a very detailed, careful study of a subject requires studio painting indoors.”
Mellieha Square depicts the parish square of the northern Maltese town of Mellieha, built in traditional Maltese stone. The rich sandy hues of the buildings in the square are rendered in light wet brush strokes, conveying the haziness of the warm sunlight on the facades and arches.
Mellieha Church Square is an intimate rendering of the quiet courtyard of the parish church of Mellieha, through an impressionist’s lens. The interplay between light and shadow is depicted with both warm and cool colours and provides a lively, natural focal point to this very spiritual place.
Zejtun, Feast of Catherine features the Maltese town of Zejtun, and the village square, which is traditionally at the centre of community life. The artist paints the parish church and cafes surrounding it in loose, spontaneous brushstrokes, to convey the lively atmosphere during the time of celebration.
The painting Gudja features the parish church of Gudja and the adjoining village square. The artist uses warm neutrals to render the light cloud cover of this cool but pleasant day.
Andrew Smith has exhibited in England, Malta, Hungary, Bulgaria, Italy, India, Albania and Pakistan.
For more information about Andrew and to see the rest of his Allura Art Portfolio, visit Andrew’s profile on Allura Art.
For those who are new to the Allura Art Collection, here is a brief introduction.
Allura Art is an evolving collection of original paintings, some figurative and some abstract. The website features pieces in a variety of genres, styles and sizes to suit home, office or commercial interiors and which also make beautiful and unique gifts. Furthermore, the search by price page makes it easy to browse according to your budget.
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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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