Anyone familiar with the work of Kenneth Zammit Tabona will, in their mind’s eye, visualise his stylised studio work full of nostalgic depictions. Pen and ink gouaches of townscapes, landscapes, festas, gardens and the lavish interiors of Malta’s stately homes are mere backdrops to the people he sees everyday.

However, anyone visiting his latest exhibition at Gallery G in Lija will instantly be struck by what appears to be a radical change in style – a dramatic shift to a more uninhibited approach to depicting Malta’s character in pure watercolour landscape which takes centre stage.

“I am sure that the public will be pleasantly surprised by the novelty of these latest creations, explained Kenneth during the presentation of its sponsorship by Bank of Valletta head of PR, communications and corporate branding Michael Galea.

“The free, almost expressionist way in which I chose to interpret landscape in a riot of colours and shapes sometimes verge on the abstract,” he added.

Kenneth’s latest watercolours, produced over the past year during open-air painting sessions in various parts of Malta and Gozo, are the focus of his latest solo exhibition aptly entitled Al Fresco, which comprises 50 works. Bank of Valletta is supporting this unique exhibition, which opens on Saturday.

“The motivation behind this shift in expression started just over a year ago, when I was dragged kicking and screaming to my first experience of painting ‘en plein air’ in Gozo by two friends to whom I shall remain forever grateful – John Martin Borg and Tonio Mallia. Back then, I was convinced that I would hate it. The sirocco was dire and an attempt to work at Xlendi Bay ended up a sorry, soggy mess, with the famous Gozo flies attacking the paint as if it were purest malt whisky! The seed, however, was sown and being a bit of a bull terrier, I decided not to give up and to go on with it,” recalled the artist. “Like the whisky, painting al fresco is an acquired taste and one that I am now unable to get out of my system.”

“Nowadays, I hardly ever give up on my weekly appointment at different locations to paint al fresco. I have enthused a group of artists, who have all become great friends, to join me. This exhibition is therefore the result of these outdoor painting sessions in which poetic spontaneity takes precedence over faithful depictions of landscapes. We can leave that to the camera. I feel that my outdoor work is what really captures the mood of the various places I visit. Gorgeously dramatic Fawwara is a firm favourite, as are the prehistoric temples and the dramatic views at Fomm ir-Rih,” Kenneth said.

“We are very proud to associate ourselves with Kenneth’s exhibition Al Fresco, an event that is set to be an important milestone in his artistic development,” said Mr Galea during the presentation of the bank’s sponsorship. “Our association with Malta’s foremost artists confirms our resolve to support the promotion of artistic talent in our country and we wish Kenneth every success in this important project.”

The exhibition will remain open to the public until 5 January.