Debbie Bonello and Andrew Borg paint Malta
Welcome to the latest post from the Allura Art blog.
This time we feature a small taster of the new landscapes recently created by local artists Debbie Bonello and Andrew Borg. Further new work by Debbie and Andrew can be found on the Allura Art website.
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Maltese artist Debbie Bonello is best known for her free-spirited plein-air landscapes and seascapes in oils. An art tutor by profession, when her two sons grew up, Debbie returned to painting full time and has been a prolific painter since 2016, she quickly made a name for herself and began exhibiting widely.
“Maltese contemporary art is all the richer since Debbie Bonello has gone public.”
Dr. Charlene Vella, University of Malta.
Debbie Bonello painting on location
Characterised by uninhibited brushwork and a loose, painterly style, Bonello’s uplifting canvases capture the essence and mood of her subjects, reflecting the warm, expansive nature of the artist herself and the great love of art which defines her.
“Her love for art oozes out of her every pore.”
“Sensually emotional... romantic, therapeutic, symbolic … lyrical and poetic. The empathy with nature is explicit. Debbie Bonello exults in its beauty.”
Art critic E. V. Borg.
Verdala Palace was painted en plein-air during a gloomy March day at the pristine vineyards of Ta’ Betta. The painting features Verdala Palace in the distance with the rolling countryside beneath it.
Speaking of painting outdoors, Debbie says “there is no comparison when you paint directly from a scene in front of you. I can still recall the sounds, smells and atmosphere of each and every location I have been to.”
“I used to go out with a group of plein-air artists when I started and we used to meet every Saturday morning. It was great fun and I used to look forward to each Saturday. However COVID-19 put a stop to this habit and now I tend to go with just one other artist or alone.”
Verdala Palace being painted on location
To find out more about the artist and her paintings visit Debbie’s profile on Allura Art.
Andrew Borg painting on location
Described as “a virtuoso” by Sharon Abela, of MCAST Creative Arts., Andrew Borg is best-known for landscapes in oils or watercolour capturing the Mediterranean light of his native Malta. Inspired by masters of light Sargent, Sorolla, Zorn and the Impressionists, Andrew studied classical drawing and has exhibited locally and internationally, including with Allura, in Ġebla - Paintings from the Rock.
Andrew Borg at his exhibition Gebla - Paintings from the Rock
“Malta shines bright on the worldwide stage thanks to the caliber of artists who make the Rock their home, Borg being a prime example.”
27.12.2020:1633hrs by Andrew borg
The painting 27.12.2020 16.33 Hrs is a view from the artist’s rooftop at sunset, with an amazing drama of ochres, sienna and orange colours in the sky, the last sliver of sunlight wedging between the earth and the clouds.
Of painting his home country, Andrew says “I love the Maltese terrain …. It’s rugged, bare … the quality of Mediterranean light on our limestone and garigue is just too lovely not to paint.”
“A much-revered artist”,
Laferla Cross from Ta' Betta by Andrew Borg
In Laferla Cross, the artist adopts a viewpoint from the nearby winery estate of Ta’ Betta which allows him to use the surrounding valley and vine fields as a foreground to frame the beloved Laferla Cross, a favourite Maltese landmark."
Before COVID-19 Andrew would attend plein-air painting sessions on location with other artists,. These regular meetings would often include his fellow artist Debbie Bonello.
“I prefer to be in the company of a very small group of like minded artists” he explains, “so we can discuss the finished work and enjoy some socialising.”
San Biagio Chapel, Siggiewi features one of Andrew’s favourite sights: Laferla Cross. This was the artist’s final plein-air painting of 2020, the year of COVID-19. The green pastures shine bright under the winter sun, suggesting new hope for the year to come.
To find out more about the artist and his paintings 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.
The Allura Art collection is regularly updated with new artwork and new artists. To receive updates by email, join our mailing list.
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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