VISITING ARTIST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22700, 12 April 1937, Page 10

VISITING ARTIST

MR. LAMORNA BIRCH EXHIBITION IN WELLINGTON An exhibition of painting by the noted visiting artist, Mr. Lamorna Birch, R.A., was opened in Wellington last week by the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts. In extending a welcome to Mr. Birch, the president, Mr. D. A. Ewen, said his was a name well known to people in Wellington, primarily through the activities of Mrs. Mary Fuller and her late husband, Mr. Murray Fuller. He thought he was right in saying that Mr. Birch was the first R.A. to visit New Zealand and paint its scenery. His reputation was world wide. It had been built -up by hard work, sound technique and a wonderful sens© of colour values.

Mr. Birch, who said: he waa too nervous to make a speech, read one. He said that he earnestly and gratefully thanked the chairman and members of the academy for the honour they had done Mrs. Birch and himself, in giving him the opportunity of showing his * work. He was alive to their great kindness, and would leave New Zealand with a sore-heart when he thought of all the kindnesses which had been extended toward him during the last few months. "I feel there is a great outlook for the student here, and, if I may, I would tell them to paint and draw the things around them at present, and also not to let discouragement get hold of them. Tho.occupation of an artist is not, as many suppose, an easy one. One must work at all hours, and allow no stone to go unturned, no matter how small, in order to win success. It is the eleventh hour that matters. Remember, that one's failings should only spur the artist to greater efforts; to cultivate the thought always that 1 win do it,' rather than 'I don't think I am able.' " . , Apologies for absence were received from the Hon. P. Fraser. acting-Prime Minister, and the Hon. W. E. Parry.