The Pastel Society of Malta will be holding its 11th annual exhibition between today and December 19 at the Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo De La Salle, Republic Street, Valletta.

Eighteen artists will be participating, showing 40 paintings that will include portraits, nudes, landscapes and seascapes.

“This event has taken place for 11 years and was inspired by the fact that, at the time, pastel was not appreciated as a painting medium and very few artists used it,” said curator Joe Spiteri Staines.

“Three artists – Martin Formosa, Joanne Fenech Portelli and myself – got together to set up the Pastel Society of Malta.”

The society’s aim is for people to appreciate the beauty of this medium and its versatility.

“This medium is a dry medium, it is immediate and, in a way, is similar to sculpting and drawing. It is also a forgiving medium that allows you to correct your work,” Spiteri Staines added.

Several new artists have joined the exhibition for the first time this year, creating a larger range of paintings on show. The public is invited to attend the exhibition.

The exhibition runs at Palazzo De La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta until December 19. Visiting hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 7pm and on Saturdays between 8.30am and 1.30pm.