Just like yoga, painting can be a mental exercise that helps you clear your mind and focus on the one thing you’re doing, according to artist Sarah Calleja. 

“Painting is my way of delving into my own world. Through painting, I manage to get away from the usual routine and do something that I truly enjoy doing. It also leaves you with a feeling of satisfaction,” Ms Calleja, an architect by profession, said.

Her first solo exhibition is currently running at a private space in Attard. 

Titled A Painted Narrative, it features 40 watercolour paintings, all executed en plein air over a span of three years. 

Among the locations depicted are places in Valletta, Buskett, Comino, San Anton, Marsamxett and Cefalù in Sicily. 

Ms Calleja, who describes her style as “loose and bold” at the same time, admits that she is especially attracted to rock faces and, therefore, she is naturally drawn to places like Għar Lapsi. 

Yet, she believes that every location has something to offer.

“The important thing is that it is quiet and can offer a sense of calm,” she said, adding that she goes out as early as 6am in summer to avoid the crowds and the heat.

The artist’s aim is, however, not to simply portray the scenes before her but to convey a mood.

“The painting’s narrative is based a lot on the mood I want to convey, so while it could be a sunny day, I could sometimes choose a dark palette,” she notes.

“I just use the location as a starting point. I do not feel the need to be faithful to it but rather to add/remove what the painting needs.”

Among the challenges of painting on location is the search for a composition that is inspiring. This could mean different things, Ms Calleja points out, such as the way the light falls on the subject. Following this, she does a little sketch to test the colour scheme that will be adopted.

And speaking of colours, she usually goes for natural or monochromatic tones, which allows her to focus more on the composition and the light in the painting.

“I find that adding too many colours could distract from the painting. I limit myself to a maximum of five colours and find that this allows the painting to have a homogenous appearance,” Ms Calleja said.

A Painted Narrative is open until April 28 at No. 23, Triq l-Idmejda, Balzan. 

One may visit the exhibition by appointment or follow updates on the Facebook page for further announcements about special events and to meet the artist. 

For appointments contact Rachel Said on 9942 8272 or on info@gallery23malta.com. 

More of Ms Calleja’s work may be viewed on www.sarahcalleja.com or on www.facebook.com/sarahcallejaart. 

She may be contacted directly via e-mail on info.sarahcalleja@gmail.com.