Artist Secrets - New Series Launch
Click the image to join us online for the launch on Sunday September 26 at 8pm.
Announcing the launch
Have you ever wondered how they do it? Allura invites you to meet some of Malta’s most exciting contemporary painters, hear their stories and discover their creative secrets.
Allura is very proud to announce the launch of our brand new series, Artist Secrets, which offers a rare and exclusive behind the scenes look into the creative process of leading local artists, to reveal the inspirations, ideas and techniques which shape their work.
Still images from episodes filmed for the Artist Secrets series
Join us for the launch
The launch of the Artist Secrets series will take place online on Sunday September 26th at 8pm on Facebook.
Allura would like to extend an open invitation to art-lovers to join us for the online launch, when the Allura team and the artists involved will be available for comments and questions.
Click here to join us for the launch.
What to expect
Allura joins prominent local artists in their studios and at stunning Maltese and Gozitan locations as they capture distinctive and beloved national landmarks and scenes. Each episode begins with a blank canvas and follows the making of a new and previously unseen piece of original art as it is brought to life.
Laura Swale with artist Debbie Bonello painting on location in Mellieħa Bay
Painting Malta and Gozo
The artists involved are known by reputation for their distinctive landscapes and townscapes. Since filming takes place at the locations the artists go on to paint, the series will also appeal to anyone with an interest in Maltese scenery, history and architecture.
While their styles and approaches differ, the series is unified by the artists’ subject-matter of choice - Malta. The conversations explore their motivations and their journeys so far, as well as their personal techniques and use of media, from oil to acrylic to watercolour and beyond.
Artist Mark Schembri in his studio with his artwork
Educational experiences
Besides being of general interest, the programme delivers unique educational experiences which draw upon the strength of each artist.
With Artist Secrets, Allura aims to be informative and inspiring, with content designed to entertain while imparting artistic knowledge and skills. With episodes dedicated to topics such as colour, composition, storytelling and artistic license, fellow artists and art students can learn from familiar faces, who have valuable experience to share.
Artist Christopher Saliba in his studio starting a new painting
The Artists
In this series and with the broader Allura Art collection, Allura works to identify the collectible artists of the future, while promoting and sharing the work of these reputable local painters, in all its character and diversity.
The series follows three of the artists featured in the Allura Art gallery, with a further special episode which spotlights a gifted local art student who recently won the prestigious Sovereign Student Global Art Prize.
The three visual artists from Allura Art are Gozitan expressionist Christopher Saliba, the versatile and inimitable Mark Schembri, and passionate plein-air painter Debbie Bonello, fresh from her recent sell-out solo show.
Debbie Bonello preparing to paint a new piece on the beach
“A window into the world of a painter.” Debbie Bonello.
“Open studios are an opportunity to connect the artist with anyone interested to see how subjects are tackled.” explains Debbie Bonello.
“The concept is commendable,” says Christopher Saliba, “These Open Studio Programmes are popular on an international basis. It is a great idea because the general public living in Malta can familiarise themselves with artists and understand better their sources of inspiration and creative drives.”
Christopher Saliba at the start of a new painting
Open Studios
Artists Secrets is part of the broader Allura Open Art Studio Programme. The ‘open studio’ format is a fresh new way to enjoy art, and is all about shifting the emphasis from the end result, to the process of making.
Mark Schembri thinks that people will enjoy the format for the insights it gives. “I find that the concept of these Open Art Studios is very interesting because people can delve into the artist’s mind whilst working.”
“When you’re painting it’s like you’re cooking something. Everyone has his own recipe.” Mark Schembri
Mark Schembri in conversation with Laura Swale at Upper Barrakka Gardens
The fourth artist featured is local art student and winner of the Sovereign Student Global Art Prize: Paraskovia Podorvana. Pasha, as she is known, has just completed her A Levels at Junior College and is working towards a career as a professional artist.
“I think it's a great idea” says Paraskovia “as it gives insight into the creative process of the artists and adds layers to their work for those who might be unaware of how difficult and time-consuming art can be.”
Paraskovia (Pasha) Podorvana, winner of the Sovereign Student Art Prize
The Exhibition
In addition to the Artist Secrets series, the broader Allura Open Art Studios Programme also incorporates a large collective show in November/December, featuring the paintings produced in the series and other art by the same artists, as well as a broader selection of work by many of the other artists from the Allura Art gallery.
The exhibition will take place at the Wignacourt Museum in Rabat. Further details of the show will be released closer to the time.
The exhibition space at the Wignacourt Museum in Rabat
Meanwhile… don’t forget to join us for the launch!
Acknowledgements
The Allura Open Art Studios Programme is supported by Arts Council Malta through the Programme Support Scheme. It is also supported by The Sovereign Art Foundation, the Melita Foundation and Attard and Co, importers of Royal Talens art materials. Artists taking part in Artist Secrets used art materials by Royal Talens to create the work produced for the series.
And finally…
The Allura Art Collection is an evolving, curated collection of original paintings, some figurative and some abstract. The Allura Art website features pieces in a variety of genres, styles and sizes to suit home, office or commercial interiors and which also make beautiful and unique gifts. Furthermore, the search by price page makes it easy to browse according to your budget.
The Allura Art collection is regularly updated with new artwork and new artists. To receive updates by email, join our mailing list.
Allura Art deals only in genuine and authenticated originals which are sourced directly from reputable living painters. We offer original fine art at studio prices with secure online payment and safe shipping internationally or local delivery throughout Malta and Gozo. Visit the Allura Art website or find Allura on Facebook or Instagram at @allura_malta. Contact Allura at info@allura.mt or +356 99583389.
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