Inspired by the view

American artist H. Craig Hanna is holding his first solo exhibition in Malta, entitled Right Outside My Window, at the National Museum of Fine Arts in South Street, Valletta, until May 9.

It is the first landscape exhibition in his career as a primarily figurative painter.

Mr Hanna has lived in New York City and London over the last 15 years, painting stylised, modern works with a strong cosmopolitan feel. His work has been awarded at the National Portrait Gallery in London, and also forms part of the private collections of international figures such as fashion designer Marc Jacobs, actress Drew Barrymore and British journalist Jonathan Dimbleby.

Mr Hanna came to Malta in 2002 and for the next three years travelled between London and Valletta, painting in both cities. He has derived much inspiration from living close to Grand Harbour and this began to influence his work in both studios.

"I started to see colour and composition in a new way, instead of making it up as most contemporary artists do, I couldn't help but notice that it was right outside my window," he said.

On looking out onto Grand Harbour he said: "Living there changed me. I never thought I would paint landscapes until I came to live in Malta. Being an artist is like being a composer, you create a dynamic symmetry between what you see and what you want to say. The view across the harbour, at twilight, perfectly still, became a graphic Chinese silk screen and I would rush for my brush."

The exhibition, sponsored by Emmanuel Delicata Wines and supported by Heritage Malta, is open daily between 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Admission is free.