It's nice to see my artwork featured on the cover of a booklet promoting local culture.
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Brushwork is a vital element of an artist's work, acting as a form of chromatic calligraphy that reveals his/her techniques, personality and stylistic approach. Examining a painting closely allows one to grasp whether the artist is methodical or impulsive, whether s/he embraces accidents throughout the creative process or maintains strict control. The texture, layering, and movement of brushstrokes distinguish one artist from another, making direct observation crucial to truly appreciating their work. Viewing a painting on a screen cannot replicate the experience of seeing it in person, where nuances in colour, depth, and surface texture become apparent. The immersive effect of standing before an original Rothko, for instance, is incomparable to seeing a reproduction. The interaction between the artwork, the surrounding space, and the viewer evokes an emotional response that digital representations cannot achieve. This is why visiting exhibitions and artists' galleries is essential - not just to admire their work but to understand the qualities that set them apart.  Detail from a Van Gogh painting  Detail from a Pollock painting.  Detail from a Rothko painting.
 Art collectors in Malta are increasing in number. This can be confirmed by the growing number of galleries I’m familiar with, as well as by fellow artists who have observed a steady rise in sales over the years. It is a fact that art collectors often get to know one another and tend to take an interest in what others are collecting. They inform themselves and develop a more refined understanding of the value of artworks available on the market.
From experience, I can also say that art collectors are often repeat buyers. They tend to build ongoing relationships with their favourite artists, reconnecting from time to time to make new acquisitions. It’s necessary to identify the different types of art one can collect. For those who are new and eager to become serious art collectors, there are two primary categories of artists to consider: emerging and blue-chip artists. Emerging artists are those who are just beginning their careers and may not yet have an established reputation. They offer a sense of excitement and potential for growth. Blue-chip artists, on the other hand, are well-established names in the art scenario whose works are sought after. When building a collection, it’s important to consider both categories, as each offers unique benefits. Having been active in the local art scene for more than twenty years, I can confidently say that being persistent and consistently visible in my vocation as an artist has increased interest from both existing and emerging art collectors over time. Unfortunately, I’ve seen a number of local artists fade from the public eye—sometimes due to personal reasons, other times because they lacked the skills to present themselves effectively within the local art scene. Today, one of my greatest sources of pride—as both an artist and an art collector—is being invited to view the personal collections of collectors I’ve come to know and befriend over the years. It’s always a joy to see my paintings hanging alongside works by Esprit Barthet, Emvin Cremona, George Fenech, or Pawl Carbonaro. When I was a university student in 1996, I lived in Valletta. At that time, Caravaggio’s St. Jerome was permanently displayed in one of the aisles of St. John’s Co-Cathedral. I often visited the cathedral and would spend long moments simply sitting nearby, silently observing the painting. It captivated me—not just because it bore the name of a great master, but because of the intense power and drama it radiated. I used to wonder why I was so drawn to it, so deeply absorbed by its presence. With time—and the distance of decades—I’ve come to realise how profoundly this single work influenced me, both emotionally and artistically. It left a lasting mark on my visual sensibility and helped shape the direction of my artistic orientation. What stood out most to me was the red garment in the painting. That singular element seemed to elevate the entire composition. It didn’t just add contrast—it heightened the drama, intensified the emotional weight, and brought a kind of sacred vitality to the scene. Looking back, I now understand that my enduring fascination with the colour red can be traced back to those quiet hours spent in the cathedral. It was there, in the presence of that powerful work, that I first became aware of how a single colour could evoke such emotion, such tension, such reverence. It was the beginning of a lifelong appreciation—both as an observer and as a creator—for the expressive power of red.  My latest work is a large painting commissioned by Malta International Airport (MIA). It will be permanently displayed in Lounge 2, the 'Ruby Lounge,' at the VIP Terminal. Special thanks to Allura for trusting me with this project.  Last Saturday evening was a really enjoyable one. The weather was perfect and this allowed for the perfect setting for my outdoor painting in one of the picturesque alleys of San Lawrenz. It was a great opportunity to get to know numerous visitors who came along. My thanks go to the Ministry for Gozo and San Lawrenz Local Council for making cultural events in Gozo, like 'Sqaqien', possible. Work on painting is still in progress and will be uploaded soon. Photo credits: Ministry for Gozo.  |
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