Golden Gozitan Sunrise

As part of the journey I am currently on, the style I normally use which involves a joyous use of colour, has been kept in check. This is not an exercise in colour complements but one in control and subtlety. Inspired by the landscape of my beloved land, I am using a controlled medium of stylised graphics combined with an almost monochrome palette. In reality, this is hardly monochrome.

GOLDEN GOZITAN SUNRISE is a schematic representation of the Cittadella from a particular angle. The almost draughtsman-like approach to the strong black lines contrasts with the washes which are worked in a variety of earth yellow-browns. No fewer than 7 colours were used in this piece, and that does not include the shades obtained in the mixtures on the palette. This gives the finished product a three-dimensional effect which is miles away from the two-dimensionality such a design

might inspire as an illustration.

The picture was inspired by two events: a new sunrise to two men, one a friend, the other not. Bound by the same sacred calling, Bishop Mario Grech is now on to fresh woods and pastures new in a prestigious position in Rome while Bishop-Elect Antonio Teuma waits to take over the reins of the diocese of Gozo. A golden sunrise for both.