Landscapes to fall in love with
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Landscapes to fall in love with - the Artsy online show
Timed to coincide with Valentine’s Day, this exhibition of landscapes celebrates the love we feel for the place we call home, in this case Malta, and our affection and admiration for the natural landscapes which form the backdrop to our lives.
Article in the Malta Independent on Sunday
In a special Valentine’s Day feature in today’s Malta Independent newspaper, the five artists taking part in the show explain the appeal of the local scenery and why they love to paint it.
Participating in this collective show are five talented and prolific artists, each one dedicated to honing their craft, either painting in the studio, outside ‘en plein air’ or both.
Here we present a taster selection of the work of Andrew Borg, Andrew Smith, Fabio Borg, Debbie Bonello and Christopher Saliba,
Described by Il-Bizzilla magazine as “a much-revered artist”, Andrew is best-known for landscapes in oils or watercolour capturing the Mediterranean light.
He was picked up by USA publication, Plein Air Magazine who devoted a lengthy feature to his Maltese landscapes.
“Malta shines bright on the worldwide stage thanks to the caliber of artists who make the Rock their home, Borg being a prime example.” Bob Bahr, Plein Air magazine.
Andrew Borg painting ‘en plein air’
Andrew describes painting as “the truthful expression of the artist’s personality” and tries to capture how a place makes him feel.
“My landscapes would normally be simplified views with either an element of drama, or peacefulness, normally with loads of space and light, elements which I think reflect my personality as well.”
Visit Andrew’s profile on Allura Art to find out more about him and browse his portfolio.
In 2004 British-Maltese artist Andrew Smith moved from Yorkshire to Malta, where he became an active member of the Plein Air Painters of Malta. He honed his watercolour technique and built an impressive portfolio of ethereal, evocative landscapes in a traditional, yet timeless style.
Among the “best contemporary water-based media paintings from around the globe,” Andrew Smith’s Buskett Forest was selected by The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours for its 208th annual exhibition in 2020 at the Mall Galleries in London.
Speaking of his love of painting ‘en plein air’, Andrew says “I love to get outside and disconnect from every day life and observe nature, and during the process of painting make a reproduction of what I see and how I feel at the time.”
To find out more about the artist and browse his portfolio visit Andrew’s profile on Allura Art.
Art critic and historian Prof Louis Laganà credited Fabio with capturing “the harmony of the topographical landscapes and a sort of apocalyptic and dramatic interpretation of our local architecture and rural areas in Malta.”
Fabio takes a special interest in architecture, and churches in particular. He has exhibited widely in Malta, including at such prestigious venues as the Malta Society of Arts, Castille Wine Vaults, the Cathedral Museum in Mdina and the Manoel Theatre.
Fabio explains that the Maltese countryside is full of contrasts.
“I take pleasure in the changes that occur in different seasons. I appreciate the lush greens and arid browns, the country roads and the old derelict buildings that can be seen on the roadside.”
Visit Fabio’s profile on Allura Art to find out more about him and browse his portfolio.
Inspired by the scenic coastline of her home town of Mellieħa, Maltese artist Debbie Bonello is best known for her free-spirited plein-air landscapes and seascapes in oils.
Art critic E. V. Borg described Debbie’s work as “sensually emotional... romantic, therapeutic, symbolic … lyrical and poetic. The empathy with nature is explicit.”
Characterised by uninhibited brushwork and a loose, painterly style, evocative of Impressionism and Expressionism, 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.
Debbie paints both outdoors and in the studio.
“I love the combination, I feel both are important for my practice and they complement each other too. There is no comparison between painting directly from a scene in front of you as opposed to painting from a photograph.”
To find out more about the artist and browse her portfolio, visit Debbie’s profile on Allura Art.
Artist Christopher Saliba has won awards for his work and has exhibited at prestigious world-class venues including the Louvre.
Christopher is interested in much more than just aesthetic beauty, his paintings explore space and scale.
“Landscape painting is one of my favourite genres, though my perception of it is quite different from that of the typical plein-air artists. My preoccupation goes beyond the mere representation of local landmarks and towards the physical and psychological implications of living on a relatively small island like Gozo.”
To find out about more about his background and browse his portfolio, visit Christopher’s profile on Allura Art.
The main 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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