Hong Kong Artist Captures Familiar Maltese Scenery In Vibrant Watercolour Paintings
Hong Kong-based artist Richard Crosbie has been in Malta working on portraying land, sea and cityscapes in beautiful, intricate watercolours – managing to capture local scenes in stunning detail.
“This is the first time that I have ever been to Malta,” the artist told Lovin Malta.
“My main reason for coming has been to spend time with my daughter, who I have missed very much due to the travel restrictions caused by the pandemic.”
Though Crosbie may have come here to be closer to his daughter, he’s used parts of his time here by applying his artistic skillsets to iconic Maltese scenery.
“I particularly like the Maltese style fishing boats, and have enjoyed painting them at the fishing village of Marsaxlokk,” explained Crosbie.
“I’ve enjoyed wandering around the narrow streets of Valletta and exploring the coast roads – and the many bays and beaches.”
Though Crosbie, who has lived in Hong Kong for over 25-years, is evidently a skilled artist, he did run into some relatively novel obstacles whilst painting in Malta.
“My main challenge when painting on location in Malta has been the strong sunlight. I’ve needed to find shade to work in which has been difficult – especially when the sun moves.”
“I tried making my own shade with an umbrella, but then wind gusts have been a challenge.”
“It’s always a challenge to judge the right colours and values when using watercolours – which is even more difficult when the sunlight is so strong and I have to take off my sunglasses to see the true colours.”
Despite painting in strong sunlight, Crosbie pencil-sketch to full-colour process has allowed him to translate vibrant colours in coastal waters and the capital’s streets onto the page.
The artist thinks it likely that the art will be “displayed at various events in Hong Kong, as people are curious about European destinations” – given how much interest has already been expressed.
“I have loved being in Malta.”
“I had very little understanding or background knowledge before I came here, and have been impressed with both the beauty of the countryside and the rich cultural history of the towns.”
The artist explained how among other things, the most punctuated Maltese feature he appreciated was one many of us likely take for granted.
“I particularly like the Maltese style windows that protrude out of buildings. It’s a distinctive architectural feature that I’ve not seen anywhere else before.”
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