N.Z. artist’s paintings interest London

Press, 17 July 1980, Page 17

N.Z. artist’s paintings interest London

NZPA London An exhibition of oil paintings by the New Zea-land-born artist, Ida Cooke, has attracted a lot of interest in London with 10 sales during the first week of showing. Mrs Cooke’s images are those of everyday life — a group of schoolchildren crossing the street, people out shopping and children playing. She was born and educated in New Plymouth but left New Zealand 30 years ago to study -at the Slade Art School. She has lived in Britain ever since although she has returned for short periods on several occasions. ■ ; Mrs Cooke had exhibited in Wellington before she left, but did not develop her very distinctive style until after studying at the Slade school. Her images are built up with strong blocks of colour which dapple the canvas with light and shade. The 40 paintings in the exhibition give an intimate view of her life and the people close to her. There are paintings of her daughter’s wedding day, family groups on the beach and her grandchild’s first birthday party. There . are also still lifes, including many of flowers, richly coloured in shades of purple, blue and green. Some of the paintings are recent; others were done several years ago. Mrs Cooke has had several solo exhibitions in

London and has exhibited work at the prestige Royal Academy summer exhibition. Several years ago she joined forces with 11 other New Zealand artists living in Britain to hold a special exhibition of New Zealand work. .