BISHOPDALE SKETCHING CLUB.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXI, Issue 104, 4 May 1897, Page 2

BISHOPDALE SKETCHING CLUB.

ANNUAL EXHIBITION. Tbe seventh annual " view ' of work by the members of the Bishopdale Sketching Club was opened this afternoon in Campbell's Schoolroom, which, by the bye, is generally admitted to bo admirably adapted for such an exhibition. The exhibition, as regards numbers of exhibits and the quality ot the work, is quite up to the standard of former years. The absence of exhib ts from outside clubs is regretted, for beyond a number of excellent pictures by Miss M, 0. Stoddart, of Christchurch (a young artist who has gained quite a colonial reputation for good work*, there are no outside exhibitors. A batch from Wellington were expected, but did not arrive from some unforeseen cause. Speaking generally, and from such a hurried glimuso 1 of the pictures as could be obtained just before we went to press to<day, it may 1 sately be said that the members of the r Bishopdale Club have brought together a very creditable collection. Since la«t year's exhibition they have covered a lot of ground, and considerable progress has ; been made. The absence of exhibits from ' male artists, and there are a number in 1 Nelson, is very noticeable, and to be regretted. Toe reason is hard to find. The 1 only male exhibitors besides Colonel Brantil, the- Club's able ollloial "critic," seem to be the Rev. E. C. Is*ac and Mr John S. Browning. The former ', exhibits a good head, a study from life, and some fruit, bosidoa sonic beautiful wood carving, whilst Mr Browning shows " Rotorua Lake, N.Z." and several interesting sketches of picturesque views in New South Wales, Among the lady members of the Club Mrs Topliss has been the busiest of the busy. She baa made good use of her stay in Wellington, where, whilst pursuing her artistic studies she has produced a series of Wellington harbour views, and faithful piolures ihey are, in sketches of rough day, calm days (for such there are even in Wellington, tin oity of gontle zephyrs), and scenes " round the rocks " at Oriental Bay and Evans Bay. Mrs Topliss has obtained some excellent effects. But she has not limited her attention to Wellington as her views of Wakefield and round about Nelson show. Niss Nina Jones is also to the fore again with a numb-r of pictures at her own studio a short time ago received such favouable notice is also a prominent exhibitor and her work is decidedly good. Tho Misses C. A. Sadd, C. A. Talbot, A. M. 8011, and Mrs A. V. Oldham must also bn mentioned as having beon busy with their brushes — and to good efl'ect. Some of tho notes attached to tho exhibits by tho Club's much respoctod official critic show that he is at least candid. For instance of one sketch he quaintly writes " Here comes the puzzler ? What is it at all?" and sums up his criticism significantly thus " It is quite a pleasure to soo something out of tho common." And cortainly it must be admitted the particular study was out of the common. Tho exhibition remains open this evening and tomorrow afternoon and evening.