Artist George Fenech passed away yesterday, aged 85, his family said in a statement. Mr Fenech was from Mellieħa and is mostly renowned for his paintings of Maltese landscapes, in particular paintings of several areas in Mellieħa, where he would spend long hours in the countryside. His work also included depictions of traditional trades and crafts.

He started studying art at the age of 22, and his artistic skills had immediately left an impression on his teachers, including Emvin Cremona and Vincent Apap. He had continued studying in Rome, and organised his first exhibition with sculptor Ġanni Bonnici – who also studied art in the Italian capital – while the two were in Malta for their summer holidays.

The artist was well received by local critics and on his return to Malta he started working on a number of sacred paintings, including Id-Deposizzjoni, considered to be his most important work.

He had started teaching art at the St Joseph Technical Secondary School in Paola, was later appointed assistant head, and retired in 1983 to dedicate all his time to art. He has had a number of exhibitions in Malta and abroad, including the US, the UK and Scotland. In one of his last exhibitions in 2009, he exhibited his works alongside those of his son Gilbert.

Last year the artist was awarded a medal for service to the Republic by President George Abela. He married his wife Doris in 1973, and they had two sons, Conrad and Gilbert.

The artist’s funeral will take place tomorrow. Mass will be celebrated at the Mellieħa parish church at 3.30pm. In its statement yesterday the Fenech family thanked all those who have been close to them at this sad time.

The Nationalist Party issued a statement lamenting the passing of Fenech, saying that his death will leave a void in the local art scene but his artistic expression will live forever.