Approximation by matrices with restricted spectra

We investigate the properties of the approximation of a matrix by matrices whose spectra are in a closed convex set of the complex plane. We explain why the Khalil and Maher characterization of an approximant, which spectrum is in a strip, is not quite correct. We prove that their characterization is valid but for another kind of approximation. We formulate a conjecture which leads to some algorithm for computing approximants. The conjecture is motivated by numerical experiments and some theoretical considerations. Separately we consider the approximation of normal matrices.