Conversations with nature

• An exhibition of painting by Joanne Fenech Portelli

Conversations with nature is an exhibition of a series of plein air to studio-painted naturescapes, which have emerged from Joanne’s paintings on location during the past year. Taking her plein air experiences into the studio has enabled Joanne to relive those outdoor painting sessions.

Painting amid nature engages every sense and becomes a conversation with nature itself, according to Fenech Portelli. She loves escaping the daily hustle and bustle of everyday life when she can, by finding quiet nature spots, possibly where very few people pass by, if none at all.

The presence of trees, garigue and wild flora makes it all the more interesting to get a sense of place and portray that immediate connection with nature and transmit it into paint.

That emotional response becomes a dialogue between nature and artist – one who interprets form and colour together with the overall feeling of wellbeing that only Mother Nature can truly give. The dialogue is one that through the emotions of that moment lets the viewer feel those instances of peace in nature, which are so necessary to balance out our busy lives. For the artist, the sense of place and emotional atmosphere created are what is paramount.

Ultimately it is the feelings of the viewers and their own conversations with what they connect to in the paintings that make this a full circle in the universal language of art. The artist strives to capture these special

places in our unique Mediterranean countryside in paint to also raise more awareness of their beauty, seen through her viewpoint, and to also make viewers appreciate what we have.

The exhibition will run until 31 May at the Malta Postal Museum in 135, Archbishop Street, Valletta. Opening times are Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.

The way through the trees

Last light on the olive tree

Nature: Ras il-Pellegrin

Għajn Ħadid garigue