NEW ZEALAND ART

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 19, 17 October 1930, Page 9

NEW ZEALAND ART

Exhibition at Wanganui MERITORIOUS WORK Dominion Special Service. Wanganui, October 14. Though the Wanganui Art Societies’ Exhibition has another month to ruu, the attendance so far has broken all records. Artists from all parts of New Zealand are represented, and a number of pictures have been purchased. The Sarjeant Art Gallery is an Ideal place for such an exhibition, and visitors will also be able to see the collection belonging to the gallery. Among the pictures on loan is a wonderful collection by Chevalier, lent by, the Government. Among the artists from other cities, Mrs. M. E. K. Tripe sends several portraits, notably a particularly charming study In yellow and orange of “Miss White,” and “The Queen of Sheba,” exhibited previously at Christchurch, Mr. A. F. Nichol is also well represented, sending a full quota of bright and sunny landscapes, of which ‘‘Onawe, Ahorea Harbour," and “Autumn Canterbury,” are perhaps the most pleasing. Mr. Vivian Smith, A.R.C.A., exhibits at Wanganui for the first time, and sends a number of well-drawn and thoughtful portrait studies. Mr. Nugent Welch has only one picture this year, the picture commissioned for the Sarjeant Gallery under the Macarthy Trust not being completed in time for the present exhibition, and Is at present on view at the Art Gallery in Wellington, where it Is considered to be the finest example of Mr. Welch’s work. Miss Ida Carey sends several characteristic portraits, and a very rharmlng flower study. Miss D. K. Richmond, who has always regularly supported these exhibitions, has contributed seven >f her delightful water colours, reticent in colouring and poetical in feeling. Of her following, Esmond Atkinson and John Moore have each contributed Interesting and well executed works, but there la a somewhat strongly marked family likeness In the colouring and treatment. Mr. T. A. McCormack’s pictures are full of breeze and vigour. Mr. Roland Hipkins and Miss Jenny Campbell have sent strongly-colour-ed and well-designed water colours. Mr. W. Menzies-Gibb is another regular contributor. Mention must be made of the work of Alice F. Whyte, A. E. Baxter, Dorothy Ashton, J. I*. Palethorp, Hugh Scott, R. J. Waghorn, John Hutton, L. Watkin, and B. E. Chapple. In the black and white section there is some very fine work by .Trevor and Connie Lloyd, Stuart Paterson and others. Turning to local artists, Mr. Spencer Smith, a newcomer, sends an excellent still life and some careful studies in sepia and chalk. Mrs. V. E. Whiteman’s best contribution is her large oil-painting en titled “Workers.” Her work shows her thorough knowledge and love of animal life, and is always popular with visitors to the gallery. Farmers at any rate recognise her ability to portray accurately what they are familiar with. Mr. C. Hay Campbell has no large picture on view, but shows several local subjects, demonstrating the beauty that is to be found close at hand. His work is marked by a pleasing originality, though the restraint of his painting may not make the direct appeal which more meretricious work has for the casual passer-by. A careful inspection will reveal something of deeper significance. Miss Collins has made great strides, and her little water colours are full of charm and delicacy. Mrs. Coxs flower pictures show a marked improvement in technique, and are pleasant in „ colour. Mr. T. Holloway’s pictures reveal a nice sense of colour values, and Mrs. I*. Roust shows considerable promise In her flower and still life subjects Mr W. H. Pratt, Mrs. Von Haast, and Miss B. Daves are represented by some nice water colours and among the younger contributors mention should bo made of the promising work by Betty Paul, J. Trevelllnd and B. Elmslie.