It has been noted that highly skilled individuals, be they artists, athletes, mechanics or whatever, often have the ability to make whatever they are doing seem easy, yet us onlookers know full well that this would not be the case, should we try to emulate them.

Of course, those with these abilities do whatever they do with considerable ease, but it was not always that way. These skills have been developed over time with much practice, thought and experience. Additionally, many seem to have natural talents that enhance their development.

Such is the case with the paintings of Diana Amos, who is currently exhibiting her work at Gallery One Seventeen on Front Street.

I have known Diana Amos for going on 50 years and have had, from time to time, opportunity to observe her actually creating her paintings. From these observations it seems to me that her current work is even freer than that of her previous paintings. I am not implying that her past work was in any way inferior to what she is currently doing.

With her considerable artistic experience, plus her underlying abilities in draughtsmanship, knowledge of linear and atmospheric perspective and her innate sense of composition and design, she is now able work with considerable spontaneity and on a foundation that gives her work a sense of structure and strength.

Diana’s use of colour tends to the delicate, or what might be considered Bermuda colours. That is only natural, seeing that most of her paintings are of Bermuda. By way of contrast, there are several paintings in the show that are from Colorado and California. Her use of colour with these are stronger, richer, even darker. Considering the overall impact of the show, it is an amazing balancing act of structure, spontaneity and the delicate.

There are 40 paintings in the exhibit altogether, 24 in watercolour and 16 in oil paint. I will mention only a select few, ones I personally favour. Her many hilltop views give the experience of climbing a hill to enjoy the panoramic scene below. One such painting is Elyham Driveway. The view is of Ely’s Harbour with its numerous islands but with a descending driveway as foreground.

The are also two similar hilltop paintings of Red Hole, Paget with Hamilton as background. One is a very atmospheric oil called Rainy Morning at Vivienne’s, the other is a sunny watercolour called Harbour from Susan’s.

Town for St George’s is a colourful rendering of the Olde Towne as seen from Barrack Hill. This is possibly the most complex composition in the entire exhibition. The town stands out because of its colourfulness. Most historic paintings of this scene are fairly muted, but what appeals to me in this painting is its colour, plus the complex details of the architecture.

Another St George’s scene is called Old Town Colours. The striking thing about this watercolour, is the really fresh layering of paint. The painting depicts a view of the town square as seen from Ordnance Island.

I found Rooflines and Palms, Winter Sunlight, Pomander Road and the Open Shutter especially appealing; others will find other work as appealing. The exhibition is a colourful feast for the eyes. The exhibition runs until November 9 but I hear that it might be held over for a few days. Don’t bank on that though. If you are thinking of a Christmas gift, this is one show to consider although the red dots are peppering the wall already.