Colours that sing, surreal flights of fancy, and touches of humour ? these are some of the hallmarks that mark Bermudian artist Frank Chiappa?s work, all of which he paints from the heart and with a strong hand.

Many influences can stir an artist?s creative juices, and in this case they include regular visits to Mexico, a country renowned for its vibrant lifestyle, wonderful use of colour, and inspiring environment. Here Mr. Chiappa joins countless other artists studying and painting in San Miguel de Allende.

Then there are the genes of his Italian ancestry, which lead him to include what he calls his ?signature? in some of his paintings: an arched window with a glimpse of the sea beyond it. Three decades as an active musician and band leader also influence his work, as do the styles of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, two renowned surrealists whom he particularly admires.

Beyond these influences, just what inspires this delightful artist and makes him tick ? a man who also sculpts and remains an accomplished drummer ? and why his preference for surrealism and abstracts?

?When you have a desire to do something, and it makes you feel happy and joyful, then your inspiration comes from within, and so it is with me,? Mr. Chiappa says. ?I like surrealism and abstracts because they give me the freedom to express the many ideas I have ? ideas which come through meditation and dreams ? and create a different world.?

Uncluttered compositions are another hallmark of this artist?s paintings.

?I like to create a world of simplicity, which is why my work is not very busy,? Mr. Chiappa says. ?I also like to incorporate humour into my paintings to lighten things up, because I want viewers to feel relaxed when they look at them, and have a sense of peace and joy.?

While surrealism and abstracts are his favoured styles, Mr. Chiappa also paints in other styles. His last exhibition, for example, captured the character, beauty and religiosity of the Azores, the land of his mother?s birth, in scenes, landscapes and icons. Now retired from Belco, Mr. Chiappa relishes the freedom to paint full-time, travel and further his art studies in Mexico. Among those with whom he has studied, there is Edgar Soberon, a former art teacher at the famed Parsons School of Art and Design in New York.

?It is always nice to go to San Allende because it is an artist?s paradise, where you can learn and feel the artistic pulse wherever you go, and meet a lot of interesting people.?

In his first exhibition in two years, entitled simply ?New Paintings by Frank Chiappa?, viewers can once again look forward to a collection of oils on canvas painted with all the traits that make his work so eye-catching and, some say, distinctive.

?The show will incorporate groups of paintings, as if they are a journey into my life and direction, for all artists are on a journey,? is how Mr. Chiappa sums up his latest body of work.