NEW ZEALAND ART AT THE FORTHCOMING EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 387, 12 July 1879, Page 18

NEW ZEALAND ART AT THE FORTHCOMING EXHIBITION.

We are pleased to know that there will be a very fair representation of the works of New Zealand artists at the forthcoming Exhibition in Sydney. We have already noted the fact that Mr. Barraud intends sending some pictures there, and a few days back we had the pleasure of paying a visit to the studio of Mr. Brandon, who also intends sending four pictures to Sydney. No. 1 is a handsome drawing of "Hail's Arm," in Smith's Sound, showing Commander Peak (which is about 4000 ft. above the level of the .sea) on the right, Polio Island on the left, aud the Snowy Ranges in the distance. Of all the beautiful spots in this picturesque portion of New Zealand, Polio Island, with its castlo-shaped appearance, and its luxuriant foliage, has been described as the most charming of all. The artist has not failed to take advantage of its beauty, and the placid water, with the boatman and his oars, the golden-mo.-sed rocks and the towering peaks, all are faithfully reproduced on the canvas. The clearness of the water is something marvellous, and its greatest depth can be almost as easily discerned with the naked eye as the glossy surface. The sketch was taken close t'> Polio Island, from the deck of the steamer Hawea. No. 2 is "An Evening Sunset in Mil ford

Sound," showing Mount Kimberley on the right, and the base of Mitre Peak on the left. Mount Kimberley is more commonly known as " the Lion," from its close resemblance in shape to the king of the forest ; and its peculiarities have been so carefully studied that an observer, on a first glance at the picture, might almost fancy that the sketch was taken from life, instead of being, as it is, a reproduction of a giant rock formation. The foliage at the byso of Mitro Peak, with the golden tints of the setting sun, gives a delightful charm to the picture ; whilst the flitting forms of the seagulls are distinctly visible. The sketch was taken from below Fresh Water Basin, and the sunset must have been as gorgeous as one of those delightful sunsets so frequently to be seen in Australia, but never to be forgotten. No. 3 represents "The Entrance of Milford Sound." The view was taken on the afternoon of a wet day, and the weird mists rising from the ground can be seen quite distinctly. Mitro Peak and a similar high range guard, as it were, the entrance, like two sentinels, whilst the Llawrenny Ranges can be discerned far off in the centre of the picture. The snow is distinctly visible on the ranges, Mitre Peak having a snowy, shadowy mantle spread over it for what might appear to be a couple of thousand feet. The water is placid, but of a much darker hue than that at Hall's Arm. No. 4 is "A Moonlight View of Milford Sound," taken from Cemetery Point. The picture is a smaller one than the others ; but the silver moon rising in the bluish clouds will afford a pleasant contrast to the gorgeousness of the sunset in the other painting. Mitre Peak stands on the left, Mount Kimberley on the right, and Mount Pembroke in the distance. The rich foliage at the base of Mount Kimberley contrasts in a highly artistic manner with the rugged slopes and bold outlines of Mitre Peak on the opposite side. The water is as calm as the Queen of Night, whose image is reflected therein.

Mr. Brandon intends sending one or two more paintings if time permits, and we trust to see him and our other artists obtain a substantial recognition at the forthcoming Exhibition.