Face Value – an exhibition of portraits in oil by Madeleine Gera will go on show at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Valletta tomorrow.

“The portraits are taken from life as I firmly believe the experience of a painter interpreting nature is the essence of what fine art is about. This does not come easy and has taken years of investigation and study,” Ms Gera says of her work. “I hope these portraits speak for themselves. I chose them because they are not commissioned work but portraits done for their own sake.”

The artist’s chief inspiration has been drawn from having lived and seen art in studios and schools in Florence. She has spent quite some time going and coming from Florence, working with artists who paint in the naturalistic tradition and who study Old Master techniques.

The Atelier Method on painting is a demanding process and those visiting the studio, after climbing four flights of stairs will be confronted by the smell of oil paint and turpentine that permeates the air.

The history of art, mainly 17-19th century figurative painting has taken on a living significance for her today. She strongly recommends to any young aspiring painter to learn more about portraiture and the human figure within the parameters of academic training.

• The exhibition can be viewed at the Contemporary Exhibition Hall from Saturday till March 14.