ELAM SCHOOL OF ART.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15124, 15 October 1912, Page 9

ELAM SCHOOL OF ART.

THE " WORK IN REVIEW. ,The following extract from the report of thS Government inspector of technical education has just been received by the managers of the Elam School of Art:—" Viewing the work of the school as a whol?, there are very marked indications of improvements throughout all branches of instruction. Probably this is more noticeable, ire the elementary work, and in the advanced classes, such .as drawing from life. Referring to the former, the exclusion of pupils under 14 years of age from the classes, while reducing this number in attendance, h*s had the effect of improving the tone and disciplines generally. Of the work, it may Iks said that fewer faults are noticeable in the elementary drawing and shading. The opinion is, however, expressed that the interest of young students in their work would to intensified, and the faculties of observation and memory developed and improved, if there was less drawing from the cast,, and more time devoted to the systematic study and drawing of natural forms. "The improvement noted in previous reports in painting from still life appears to have been maintained, and some excellent ■ examples of students' work in progress aDd completed wereseen. Most of the work in this section is admirable in spirit and intention, and a considerable amount of interesting and tasteful work is done. Earnest endeavour find close application to work appear to bo outstanding features of tho classes in drawing and painting from life. This is no doubt largely due to the change of instructor, which has had a most beneficial effect' on the work of the classes as a whole. As buowing the enthusiasm of the students, it may not be out of place to state that some of the student* in the life classes were unable to attend during the day, except on Saturday, and, in response to the'r re<ru'est, a class in painting from life has been arranged for the afternoon of that day ; it is well attended. A certain number of the students have asked for, and obtained, permission to visa the life room on. nights when the instructor is not in attendance. They select and pav the model, and a large and interesting collection of life drawings has been made. The instruction proceed* on sound lines. Students are encouraged in the cultivation, of form, and the rapid expression of it in various media, ami while some of the ■ work may be regarded a* 'sketchy,' there is. little doubt that a good deal of the draughtsmanship is strong and intelligent, •while the work of other students is most, procruising, and gives indications on the part of tho students of the possession of exceptional skill. Speaking generally, the work of the school as a whole is most satisfactory." ' The director of the school has also just renewed word that three works sent Home to too Beard of Education, London, have been commended" in the national competition of schools of art of the tinted Kingdom.. It, is always oked upon us a great honour "£»"*«"£> in the national competition, as only the best .1 ni he mat is allow.-d to compete. In. the prions year only three works out ;of all