Capturing the myriad elements of Bermuda's essence has fascinated artists for centuries, and resident Michael Cacy is no exception, as viewers of his new solo exhibition will quickly discover.

Entitled 'Reflections on Bermuda', the opening reception is on Friday from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. at Common Ground, 11 Chancery Lane, in Hamilton. Thereafter it will continue through to September 24.

Although the chosen subjects botanical, historical, and nautical will be familiar and easily recognisable, they will have the artist's distinctive imprint, and reflect the reasons why some of his paintings are executed in oils while others are in watercolour.

"When I feel like launching off into a project I paint in oils," he said. "Oil paintings take me longer to execute than the other media I work in, so when I want to refresh myself, I usually turn to watercolour, which has always been one of my favourite methods of painting."

This preference, Mr. Cacy explained, is due to the distinctive quality of Bermuda's light, which artists find so attractive.

"Because watercolour is normally applied transparently, paintings can sometimes look a little weak on the value scale," he said. "Sunlight in Bermuda is exceptionally brilliant, so when I paint in watercolour I'm not afraid of contrast. Sunlight, and the patterns of shadow, are what make island subjects, an especially botanical subjects, come alive."

As a result, Mr. Cacy is usually "more interested in impact than in the actual subject itself".

"In this show I'll feature (amongst others) a painting of oleander that's right, leaves and flowers. However, I am much more interested in painting the dance of light and shadow upon leaves and petals, not forgetting rhythms of background pattern created by shadow, than in simply portraying a 'specimen'."

This, Mr. Cacy said, was because he prefers to "make a statement".

"If I had been viewing the foliage while a cloud obscured the sun, the subject probably would not interest me," he added. "Sunlight and shadow often choreograph a unique dance, and it is that moment which I try to take advantage of in my paintings."

Regarding the historical paintings included in the current collection, the artist said they reflected his fascination with stories of Bermuda's past.

"Although I wasn't much interested in history in my student days, as an adult I can't seem to get enough."

Similarly, his nautical paintings reflect Mr. Cacy's ongoing passion for boats and the sea.

"I've always been a sailor, and almost always owned a boat of my own," he added. "In fact, I think I'' rather be out on the water right now!"

Having crewed on an overseas voyage of the Spirit of Bermuda, the artist was naturally delighted with the recent visit of the tall ships to the Island.

While Mr. Cacy has participated in exhibitions in designated art galleries, Friday's opening in the Chancery Lane café marks a 'first' in terms of having his art on display in an alternative setting.

"This show is a kind of experiment for me but it is another opportunity to show the public what I do," he said.

American-born Mr. Cacy is also an award-winning illustrator and commercial artist, and an acknowledged expert on airbrushing techniques.

He is a former Masterworks Foundation artist-in-residence, and has conducted workshops for adults and students alike, both here and abroad. In addition, he is a singer and guitar player whose repertoire includes blues, folk and country style music.