Petra Bianchi shares her experience of watching several artists paint outdoors for the forthcoming Din l-Art Helwa exhibition in April.

Outdoor painting in natural light is very different to painting indoors in a studio. The artist must work quickly with deft and confident strokes, attempting to capture a spontaneous impression of the landscape, with its changing light and moods. This immediacy can instil a fresh and vigorous feeling into works created al fresco.

Outdoor painting has a long tradition. Many artists try their hand at it at some point in their painting careers, casting off the restraints of more formal work. Others rarely paint any other way.

I joined a group of artists and watched them painting en plein air in various beautiful locations on Saturday mornings over the last few months. The experience of spending a few hours appreciating a pretty and tranquil corner of the landscape was peaceful and relaxing. Our days are so fast and charged with energy that we hardly ever manage to stop and just quietly focus on the scenery around us.

The artists found it motivating and thought-provoking to work together, and took pleasure in each other’s company while painting. Yet as they sat for several hours in their chosen outdoor spot, all were silent as they intently observed the changing light on the subject before them, immersed in the sounds, colours and textures of nature.

They were completely absorbed in the canvas or paper in front of them, their brushes moving fast as colour swept over and transformed their pictures, forgetting everything except the immediate task at hand.

The Saturday painting sessions were organised by Din l-Art Helwa, which for many years has worked to protect and conserve Malta’s natural and built environment. The resulting paintings are being put together in a single exhibition to be opened in April. The participating artists include Kenneth Zammit Tabona, Jeni Caruana, Anna Galea, Tonio Mallia, Debbie Caruana Dingli, James Vella Clark, Caroline Navarro, William Azzopardi, Marisa Attard, Mona Vella, Winston Hassal, Jason Lu, Laurent Muller, Albert Caruana, Celia Borg Cardona, Francesca Balzan, Angela Theuma and Marlene Borg.

Part of the proceeds of the works will be donated to Din l-Art Helwa, and all the sites painted for this event are properties restored and managed by Din l-Art Helwa. The inauguration of the exhibition is sponsored by Marsovin.

The Din l-Art Helwa exhibition-sale will take place at the Wignacourt Museum in Rabat and will be opened on 30 April. If you are interested in viewing or purchasing any of these pictures please call Din l-Art Helwa on 21 225952