Pjazza ReġinaPjazza Reġina

In recent years, Joseph Casapinta has increased his interest and passion in watercolour painting. His latest collection of watercolour works, which he is showing at the Palace in Valletta between today and March 16, is testimony to the great development of his mastery of this not-so-easy medium.

Casapinta successfully shows that this apparently-delicate medium of watercolour can be bold, rich and dramatic. He shows that viewing everyday life in another way by taking what is not first noticeable and bringing that into focus gives the viewers a new perception. His watercolour paintings make us see beauty and simplicity within complexity.

Most of the paintings are done out in the countryside or near the sea, many times working on his own and sometimes with other friend artists.

For him it is also a voyage of self-discovery to record nature and the splendour of what he sees

Plein-air painting for Casapinta is not just a means to have a direct visual exploration of what surrounds him and what exists outside in the countryside or near the sea, but also serves him as mental therapy.

Painting outdoors became an everyday matter whether it was hot and sunny, windy or raining. He enjoys including the reflections of images of people, buildings, trees and other fascinating objects which are found in urban and countryside vistas and near the sea.

Some of the best examples of the Maltese seascapes which Casapinta depicts in his work range from the fishing villages around the islands, to intriguing scenes of the Grand Harbour, fortifications, bastions and historic coastal towers built by the Knights of St John. Typical of Casapinta are the studies of boats and their reflections in the sea.

The artist also likes other sorts of reflections, especially those captured after a rainy day in an urban setting. Interesting are his street scenes, particularly those painted on the spot in Valletta. In his work one can also see the hectic city life with people bustling around the shops and historic squares with the superb cafés where one can relax and enjoy the sun during the day.

PontoonPontoon

Casapinta also likes depicting indigenous wild fauna along typical rubble walls, wayside chapels and solitary objects like a concrete pillbox near the seaside, which forms part of what the British left our fortification heritage.

Light and movement play a very important role in the artist’s watercolour paintings. This is achieved with an acute observation of the subjects and their surrounding environment, expressed spontaneously with pencil or ink and then with washes of fiery colours.

He is inspired mostly by the Mediterranean atmosphere and context. In fact, his watercolour paintings reflect the warmth of the Maltese stone in contrast with the deep blue sea and the brilliance of the blue skies.

Xlendi SqaqXlendi Sqaq

One can say that the use of the artist’s palette is very limited. It is divided into three tones of colours, that is, the warm tones which include alizarin crimson, yellow and orange, and the cold colours made up mostly of cobalt, prussian, ultramarine and moonglow blue. Many times the artist employs mid-toned mixtures like raw umber, burnt sienna and a range of ochres. The sepia colour is another important hue which dominates some of his compositions of landscapes.

Casapinta continues his artistic journey through watercolour painting and is always ready to explore new subjects and fresh ways to articulate his vision by frequently travelling abroad.

This latest experience while working in other countries provides the artist with new vistas and pictorial comfort. For him it is also a voyage of self-discovery to record nature and the splendour of what he sees. It is the artist’s spiritual attitude which is also an expression of the ‘sublime’.

Today, Casapinta has reached a new level of technical ability and skill in watercolour painting, and his mature and elegant style will surely bring him more success in his creative endeavours.

• A Brush with Passion is being held under the patronage of President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, and is in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund. Opening times today, tomorrow and Wednesday from 9.30am to 4pm and Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am to 6.30pm.

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