AUCKLAND ARTISTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 102, 2 May 1935, Page 8

AUCKLAND ARTISTS.

SOME RECENT WORK.

ORIGINALITY OF TREATMENT.

OPENING OF EXHIBITION

Genuine efforts to break a-way from the conventional and express themselves in individual ways arc shown in many of the pictures hung in the fifty-fourth annual exhibition of the Auckland Society of Arts, which will open to the public to-morrow. A private view for members will be hold this evening, when Sir Joseph Smith will officially open the show. There are 277 oil and water colour paintings exhibited as well as 32 black and white drawings. 22 photographs and exhibits of arts and crafts. The exhibition will be open daily until May 17. The younger artists, particularly, attract attention for their boldness ami unusual treatment of subjects. Their media, too, arc often unconventional, some of them using charcoal to heighten the effect of the flow of lines and others rough painting surfaces that strengthen the boldness or the finished pictures. The value of loan exhibitions of overseas pictures is strikingly shown in some of the work. New ideas have been adopted by local artists, in some cases merely in an imitative way, but others creatively. Oils by Aucklanders.

.Among Auckland artists who have profited by modern ideas and branched out along their own lines, Vernon A. Brown is outstanding. Fainted in oils on a rough wood fibre surface his "Brick Kiln" is a satisfying riot of colour flowing in harmonious lines that are strengthened by a bold use of charcoal. The rousjhness of treatment adds to the striking effect. A glimpse of Matiatia by tiie same artist is cqual'y striking and unusual, but just misses the pleasing effect of the brick kiln.

The great depth and unique blueness of the Xew Zealand landscape.have been remarkably portrayed by Ida G. Eise in two delightful pictures, "Xihotupu Heights" and "Xiliotupu Koad." Tho Jong, sweeping distances, enhanced by beautiful trees in deep greens, give a rare quality to the work that brings out all the beauty of the Xew Zealand countryside. Several still life studies by that master of colour John Weeks will appeal for their rich decorativeness. His flowers have a finished quality, combining natural lightness with vivid colouring. As a contrast his landscape of the Waitakere Ranges after a shower, with it<S sombre sky and dark blues and greens, conveys an impression of rainy cold that is in perfect keeping with tile subject. Allegorical Pictures. For sheer drama of construction tho two works of A. Lois AVhite, "Religion and Life" and "Success," will attract considerable attention. Allegorical in subject, they both tell cynical and tragic stories. The first shows a symbolical religious figure, shielding Ins eyes while people at his feet are shown in attitudes of prayer, supplication and derision. "Success" shows a man of wealth surrounded by those who wish to win his favour. The design of both is controlled, and the subjects have been treated with remarkable courage.

Other members of the Auckland Society who have contributed outstanding work in oils include John W. Ash, whose view of the plains from Mount Kgniont in showery weather is a soothing picture in almost pastel shades. The delicacy of the trees and the brightness of yellow flowers in the foreground set oil' the darkness of the clouded sky.

Fine Landscapes. The work of A. Barns Graham is disappointing and far below his former standard. His portrait of a woman has a photographic look and lacks life, while a still life of an unconvincing bottle against a bowl of doubtful apples also misses. In striking contrast to these two works is his charming little landscape "The Hangaroa River."

"The Bush Track." by Minnie F. White, is boldly treated and the trees are well constructed, making a pleasing and typical New Zealand scene. Good colouring gives effectiveness to the pictures of Alice F. White, although the drawing is inclined to detract from otherwise good pictures. A decorative effect has been achieved by Bessie Christie in her bold portrayal of a bush road in the Waitakeres. Her still life of a bowl of zinnias its. well drawn and vivid in colour. An experiment by Adele Younghusband, "Nature's Carpet, from Mangaere Hill." is a worthy effort, or originality, but its excessive pinkishness limits its appeal.

A review of the oils from Southern painters and the water-colour section will be published to-morrow.