SCENERY “DELIGHTFUL” ON NORTHERN COAST

Northern Advocate, 8 December 1936, Page 10

SCENERY “DELIGHTFUL” ON NORTHERN COAST

, ROYAL ACADEMICIAN COULD PAINT AT HEADS FOR YEAR

“I cannot find any other words for it, but that it is 'delightful,” said Mr S. J. Lamorna Birch, R.A., the noted landscape artist, discussing the scenery at Whangarei Heads, where he Is painting for a week.

Mr Birch, who was born in 1869, has oil. and water colour paintings in many galleries in Great Britain, and in several overseas countries. Examples of his work are to be seen in the Auckland Art Gallery and the National Art Gallery. He regards his present visit to New Zealand in the light of a holiday, work and an adventure combined. He was persuaded to make the trip by a fellow-artist, Hon. Mrs R. Vane, a New Zealander, who arrived with Mr and Mrs Birch by the Rangitata, from London, on November 18.

Mr Birch was painting in front of Manaia Gardens, Taurikura. where he is staying, when he answered a telephone, call which the “Northern Advocate” put through to him today. Limited Time. “I could quite well work, here at these picturesque Heads for a year or more,” Mr Birch said. “The seascapes are' truly delightful, and as I sit on the shore, hard at work, as I have been for the past two days, I am most impressed by the gnarled pohutukawa trees which dip down to the water's edge. I would like to stay here for an indefinite period, but, unfortunately, our time in any one place is I intend to spend several months in New Zealand and hope to do some fishing.” *

Before leaving England, it was necessary for Mr Birch to complete all his work for next year’s Royal Academy, as he will not be back in time for it. Mr Birch, who is believed to be the first Royal Academician who has come to the Dominion to paint New Zealand landscapes, will visit both Islands before he returns to England.

Clarity of Atmosphere

The interpretation of New Zealand scenery through the eyes of a prominent English painter will be watched with interest in artistic circles. Prior to coming North, Mr Birch painted at Piha, on the wild west coast, and has how selected, at Whangarei Heads, one of • the most tranquil spots on the Northern, coast line. 4

It has been said that New Zealand is difficult to paint because of the clarity of the atmosphere,” the distinguished artist told the “Advocate” today. “Certainly, since I have been here I have found the light rather bright, similar to parts of Scotland in midsummer, but it is for the artist to paint the thing as he sees it. If the air is clear, artists should be honest about it, and paint it clear.”

Mr Birch anticipates passing through Whangarei on his return to Auckland in about a week’s time.