Paul Galea is not only a talented artist and painter, but also an avid snooker enthusiast, who worked as professional snooker referee for 10 years.

In a recent interview with ‘The People of Malta’, Paul fondly looked back at his life and all his achievements.

The interview included a photo of Paul, surrounded by the most amazing of objects - “whatever you are seeing in here is all my work - paintings, ceramics, woodwork, traditional Maltese clocks, stained glass...”, he expressed.

He in fact taught art and Italian to many young students for 36 years and spent the last eight years teaching at the School of Art in Targa Gap.

“When I draw, I first go on site, take a photograph, then I start sketching. When I take a picture I would already be envisioning the completed painting”, Paul revealed when asked about his drawing process.

Even though Paul dabbled in many different art forms, his favourite medium has always been oils, watercolours, and acrylics.

In fact, Paul’s all-time favourite artist is none other than Caravaggio. He recalled how when he was young, he painted the conversion of Saint Paul and it was love at first sight. He has been an admirer of his ever since.

“The maestro. Character-wise I'm his opposite though, I am quiet and avoid any trouble”.

He even has many Caravaggio replicas that he himself painted and are true to size.

“When the Caravaggio painting of St Jerome was stolen from St John's Co-Cathedral, I was so saddened that I wanted to make a copy of it”

“Wherever there is a Caravaggio I go and see it, besides purchasing anything connected with this artist.”

He went on to saying that art has always been part of his life and that of his family - “my grandfather used to work with [Giuseppe] Cali and my Uncle Guzeppi Galea was an understudy of [Antonio] Sciortino. He was my Bible”.

Paul didn’t just make art to decorate his home, but he has several artworks in churches and many band clubs across Malta.

However, art is not the only talent for Paul. He was a professional snooker referee for a whopping ten years - “I started playing in the premier division then I ended up as a referee. I am not as active as I used to be, but I still try to participate,”

Now that he’s in his 70’s, Paul spends his time travelling as it became one of his greatest joys.

Facebook/The People of Malta