ART EXHIBITION

Dominion, Volume 39, Issue 29, 29 October 1945, Page 8

ART EXHIBITION

N.Z. Academy’s Annual Show FINE QUALITY STUDIES The sales total at the annual exhibition of the New Zealand Academy, of Fine Arts, no w showing in the temporary art gallery in the DLL'. Building, should rank with 'the highest of the war period—amt they have been the highest in the existence of the academy. This is because the work generally is a little better than is seen in the average show. Several steady exhibitors—and the reference Is to artists of repute—have put Just that little bit extra info their tnelr task: which has made all the difference. ’■ Artists such as Archibald Nicoll, Sydney Thompson, Cedric Savage, W. A. Sutton, Nugent Welch, S. B. MacLennan, and T. A. McCormack—all regulars—are to the fore with studies of quality. On the line, are to be seen several snow studies. Snow does not usually offer the artist a great deal but Mr. Nicoll has painted two delightful oils which must command ’attention. One shows a great feathery mattress of soft smoky blue, snow (in the shadow), set in rifts that lead softly and gently to an old brown shed, while the pure urilllant light of the sky in the background gives a pleasing contrast anil balance. Alongside is another Scene,- “.Springs lioau ” a snow-flanked' highway, receding into the perspective, wltn a dump ot friendly gum-trees to the left to give form and su'usiauee -to the subject, here, too, the tones of shadowland are effectively used Nugent Welch, also, has surpassed himself in a twilight study ot' a serene sky and fading laud. ’’Journey's End. suggesting deep serenity and repose in soft tiinbrotis tones. "In- Sombre Mood and "The Stubble Field,” oils from the same skilful hand, are also desirable pictures and his "South or: Titahi” canvas catches air and sea and sky in the gayest light ami rhythm. . On the same wall I noticed with pleasure Svdnev Thompson’s colourful “Pohutukawas' at Woolley’s Bay.” his attractive "Sandy Bay,” the arresting "Cass Knob," and “Road at Spring Creek, ad good examples of the practiced hand. Elizabeth Kelly travels familiar ground in her "River Avon Bridge,” a glimpse of streamside Christchurch in warm tints. Still on the home round sire has views.m oils of Bagley Park ,and Rolleston Avenue. Cecil Kelly has a study ot Rolleston Avenue under snow, and a more joyous study in ‘’Summer In Kowal Valley.” Hie “Torlesse Range” picture lias claims to • strength and a certain 'majesty. Basil Honour’s "Waltakere River” is a strong study of moving water and stout trees well palmed, and his "Pastoral, ' a view ot fair fields, is happy in composition, and tone. Two striking oils by Cedrie Savage are “Waikoropupu River and "Ranglhaieta Head," both showing the growing maturity of this talented artist. On tlie eastern wall there are a number of portraits. The central place of honour has been given to Mr. Nieoll's portrait of W. F. 1.. Ward (of the Reserve Bank;. Tho features ot the subject are russettinted. with Just a suspicion of flatness, yet the modelling on tire whole is Sood and the painting pleases. F. V. Ellis. Wellington. Ims two portraits, one of Max Rlske, M.A., capitally ’ high-lighted, ' the other of J. V. Burton, M.A., eneli threequarter length, easy in pose and taltntul in lineament. G. K. Lewens is to the tore with further farm tojiles. ’Winter I toughing” and "Turning tlie Plough, subjects of much appeal to those who love the land and all it brings them. The horses are well painted. Good work on this wan conies from Marcus King. W. b. W uuchop. Rata and Colin Lovell Smith, Maijorii. Taylor.. Bessie Christie ( her decorative pattern, “Adam and Eve" sl . w "'mJ skill anil the liveliest imagination), Charles Tole, Elizabeth Wallwork (a portrait), Olive Beken, and Arlni Vane. On the western wail are tlie water colours. These arc dominated, in niy belief, bv Hie work of T. A. McCormack, Nugent Welch, and S. B. McLennan. Mr McCormack's "landscape,” mililly Van l«og ilikc in character, is a beautiful study in high tones of a far-extending countryside, while bis still-life and “Landscape In Mackenzie Country” are up to Ins best standard. Stewant McLennan has another of his arresting east coast cliff studies, with a gloomy Castlepolnt frowning down upon a swirl of blue ocean, and a shadow effect that Is striking. The altitude of the e I ff is subtly suggested bv the restless tide 'ar below—a difficult subject wefil handled. Nugent Welch's clean placid work in ds a place on the line, and there are excellent examples of the water-colour work ot Owen Lee. Betty Rhind. W. S. Wauchop, 11. W. Nash. Sydney Higgs. Esther Hope, J. L. PaletliOl’pe. Ethetwyn Dousst, anil Ivv Fyffe. Russell Clarkes very assert he island scenes are informative if not atmospherically interesting.—H.l •