Artist Secrets - series 2 - episode 9
Click the image to watch episode 9 of Artist Secrets series 2
Fluid colours for seamless transitions
And that’s a wrap!
The ninth and final episode in series two of Artist Secrets is out.
Episode 9 - Watercolour features British-Maltese painter Andrew Smith, a well-established local artist best-known for his popular depictions of the local scenery.
Andrew talks to host Laura Swale about his artistic subject-matter, style, media and techniques and his preference for painting on location ‘en plein-air.’
Laura Swale talking to Andrew Smith about his art
The conversation is followed by a practical session in which Andrew paints a coastal scene from scratch to demonstrate one of the painting techniques he typically uses in his work.
Andrew working on his preparatory sketch
Wet-on-wet
Andrew uses a technique called wet-on-wet (also called wet-in-wet).
The term ‘wet-on-wet’ is used to describe the process of applying wet paint to a surface which itself is already wet. The paper itself may have been moistened with water, or the previous layer of paint may not yet have dried.
Andrew Smith using the wet-on-wet technique on the surface of the water in his painting
The wet-on-wet technique is commonly used to blend colours, create smooth gradations of tone, soft edges and unique organic or fluid shapes. It is well-suited therefore to rendering atmospheric elements such as clouds and mist and, in this case, water and sky.
Andrew uses Rembrandt watercolour paints
Andrew primarily works with watercolour paints, either in tubes or pans. In this case he uses a set of Rembrandt watercolour pans.
In other episodes, series two also covers other painting media, such as acrylics, oil, water-based oils and gouache, and techniques including pouring, glazing, collage and photo transfer.
Andrew's colour chart of his Rembrandt watercolour pan set
Andrew’s artwork
Andrew’s Buskett Forest was selected by The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours for its 208th annual exhibition in 2020 at the Mall Galleries in London. Andrew is described by them as one of the “best contemporary water-based media paintings from around the globe.”
To view Andrew’s extensive portfolio of local landscapes visit the Andrew Smith collection of Allura Art.
Andrew Smith with an earlier painting
A big thank you to Andrew Smith
We would like to express our thanks to Andrew for taking part in Artist Secrets. Andrew’s paintings are always popular with art buyers, to whom his evocative scenes offer a sense of connection, familiarity and nostalgia. It was our pleasure to spend the day with Andrew and see his process up close. His good humour and ability to paint quickly under pressure made for a smooth and enjoyable shoot.
Andrew Smith at work being photographed by Bernadett Mozer
The artists
Who are the other artists featured in series two?
The other eight artists in series two are Allura Art artists Bob Cardona, Christine Porter Lofaro, Natasha Dadush, Kevin Sciberras, Marianne Ogden, Jo Dounis and Vania Goshe. The series also features student artist Ylenia Schembri, two-time winner of the Sovereign Student Art Prize for Malta and Gozo.
You can watch other episodes in series two on the link below:
Thank you for watching and for following us as we spread the word about the artists of Allura Art.
All episodes in series 2 of Artist Secrets are available on the above page
Art Store Malta
The art materials featured in series two are supplied by Art Store Malta. This newly launched online art materials store offers unbeatable prices on a selection of globally renowned brands, including Rembrandt, Amsterdam and Van Gogh. Allura is pleased to be collaborating with Art Store Malta and to be associated with its historic brands. To find out more about Art Store Malta or to shop online for art materials click here.
Click the image to visit the Art Store Malta website
About Artist Secrets
The Artists Secrets series is produced by Allura, with hosting by Laura Swale and photography and videography by Bernadett Mozer. The series is part of the Allura Open Art Studios Programme, which is supported by Arts Council Malta through the Programme Support Scheme. The programme is produced in collaboration with the Corinthia Palace Hotel, the Sovereign Art Foundation and Attard and Co. Art materials are by Royal Talens and are available at Art Store Malta.
For news and updates from Allura, follow the Allura Art blog, join the mailing list or follow Allura on Facebook.
Finally, in case you’re new to Allura Art…
About the Allura Art Collection
The Allura Art Collection is an evolving, curated collection of original paintings, by more than a dozen contemporary painters based in Malta and Gozo. The Allura Art website features pieces in a variety of genres, styles and sizes to suit home, office or commercial interiors. Original paintings also make beautiful and unique gifts, and 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.
About the Allura Art advisory service
Allura Art also offers an advisory service, which serves commercial and residential property owners, as well as architects and designers, either seeking direction, or looking to commission a bespoke series or site-specific piece.
Whether residential or commercial, Allura can source, commission or design individual pieces or curate a selection tailored to an interior design scheme.
Allura also welcomes professional relationships with architects and designers as well as contact from other interested parties.
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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