FINE PAINTINGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23042, 20 May 1938, Page 14

FINE PAINTINGS

AUCKLAND SOCIETY EXHIBITION OPENED ! MANY LANDSCAPES ' WIDE VARIETY OF WORK Representative of painters throughout the Dominion, the annual exhibition of the Auckland Society of Arts,t which was opened at a private view to members last night in the Unity Hall, attracted a very large gathering. It was opened by Professor C. R. Knight, who made reference to the educative value of the exhibition and the fine work the society was doing in developing an appreciation of art", not only in the city, but in the provincial towns, where various exhibitions had been arranged in the nast year.

Landscape paintings are the chief feature of the exhibition and these from the different aspects chosen by the artists are very informative of the New Zealand countryside. A symbolic painting, "The Deluge," by an Auckland artist, Miss Lois White, is the only work exhibited of a particular modern school. Previous essays by Miss White of this character have aroused much comment, and considerable attention was directed last night to her latest work.

The Auckland Scene Auckland artists'who supply pictures 'form a very strong band, especially in the landscape section, Mr. John Weeks has a series qf oil paintings in very diverse style and obviously representing various periods of his artistic development. He provides several stimulating glimpses of the Auckland scene, one in formal pattern and another in impressionist style being outstanding. They are harmoniously conceived and executed pieces of colour. His still-life paintings are in keeping with his high reputation in this branch of art. Very characteristic Auckland scenes are proi vided in realistic but emotional manner by Miss 12. G. Eise. Mrs. A. F. Why te and Mr. A. C. Hip well. Mr. Vernon Brown has several rich paintings in low tones. / A Canterbury contingent of artists attract much attention by the diversity and character of their offerings. In academic vein Mr. A. F. Nicoll shows some admirable landscapes. They are marked by restrained and beautiful colour and are essentially reposeful. Another very sound artist, Mr. James Cook, 'who is: probably one of the best draughtsmen in the Dominion, has some pleasant pictures of buildings. Three Canterbury artistSj Mrs. Lovell Smith, Mrs. Rita Cook and Miss Louise Henderson, 1 show modern influences! Portraits by Mrs. Smith and Mrs.-Cook i are remarkable examples of precision. Other Works

Among Dunedin artists, Miss Iva M. Copeland has several oil paintings depicting mountains and glaciers. She uses broken colour to enforce effect. Mr. R. NV Field has a good out-of-doors portrait. A very fine landscape, by Mr. W. H. Allen, of the Suter grpup, depicts the Gloucestershire countryside. It is simply treated and. full of character.

The exhibition will be open to the public until June 3. To-night at eight o'clock Mr. Pascce Redwood will lecture at the. exhibition on "Paint in the hands of the artist." Other talks will be given later.