Outside the Fireworks Factory

Watercolor artwork and story by Paul Fenech

Waterecolour on Arches - 28 cms X 38 Cms 300 grams, rough - cold press

I am a retired person's person. Have been an elected Local councillor in my city for the past 25 years. I dedicate my time to encouraging creativity amongst persons of alleges. My main interests are the promoting of the performing and visual arts Arts and crafts and facilitating the teaching of music to persons of all ages. Priority is given to those who have physical social and financial disadvantages.

I am 75 years old and started painting ten years ago when I found myself hospitalised after an accident. I am self-taught. My medium is watercolour. I am a purist imprssionist. I paint "alla prima,", mostly wet on wet and sometimes dry on wet.

My paintings are nearly all plain air. I paint in the company of one or two friends but once a week I organise painting trips for a group of about 10 painters. Malta has sunlight 11 months a year and painting outdoors is a great challenge. It is a race against the light. In summer one has to deal with the heat so painting is usually at sunrise and at sunset. We also paint at night in total darkness. This is an amazing experience. I paint very fast to catch the moment.

My paintings take 25 to 30 minutes maximum to finish. I normally paint two paintings at the same time. When I find a vintage point, I pitch two easels and paint simultaneously two paintings at the same time. Whilst one painting dries, I move to the next tone.

For me, painting is a necessary basic element like the air we breathe and the food we eat. As therapy painting outdoors beats all medicine on earth.

The painting I am submitting. was done in 25 minutes. I was driving in a country lane fast from the main streets. I came across a sign, "Danger- fireworks factory" There were no persons in sight and the red flag outside the path leading to the entrance gate entrance was very tempting. The end result is a thrilling and emotional one.

I wish I were younger and that I could have discovered the Watercolor Academy earlier in my life. I would have been able to help many more others.

"Winning this competition would be a good motivation for more people to take up painting. If one like me could reach an acceptable and acknowledged level, then it would be easier for me to convince everyone that we are, " all born artists in one way or another."

Paul Fenech

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