At some point between penning his last newspaper column and haggling at Gucci during a rainy Roman holiday, Kenneth Zammit Tabona caught the bug.

Luckily, “Landscapitis” is one bug that both the artist and viewers welcome with open arms. Kenneth’s latest works will enchant anyone with a penchant for traditional Maltese landscapes and fast disappearing countryside.

A collection of pen and ink gouaches, they are whimsical portraits of some much-loved spots such as Mtahleb and Tal-Isperanza.

Gnarled carob trees bend over rubble walls and the green ovals of prickly pears fan out behind small wayside chapels – all features which Kenneth likes to include in his works. There are scenes of existent places and others, which are the fruits of fantasy – Kenneth’s ‘capriccios’.

Both are brought to life with the inclusion of human figures, making the paintings so much more than simple postcard scenes.

“Landscapitis” – an exhibition of pen and ink gouaches by Kenneth Zammit Tabona will be held at The Gallery, Corinthia Hotel, Attard, from 19 until 27 May.