FINE ARTS EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 8520, 29 October 1888, Page 6

FINE ARTS EXHIBITION.

THIRD NOTICE. The number of exhibits of panels, plaques, etc., this year is hardly so large as last season, but the quality of the painting is of general merit. Mrs L. Stowe exhibits three panels, gorse (No. 185), clematis (No. 186), wallflowers (No. 187). The colouring is very effective, but the flowers lack life and firmness. A milking stool (No. 201), with single dahlia and lilies on the seat is, if anything, of greater merit than the panels. Miss H. Bennett sends three panels (Nos. 190, 191, 192). The design of tho flowers (clematis, pear blossom, yellow koahi) is natural, but tho colouring is a trifle heavy. Tho backgrounds are not harmonious. Miss C. E. Palmer contributes several plaques, flower painted. The colouring is rich and the grouping is very effective. A couple of Christinas cards by the same lady are perfect little gems. A rich effect is produced by the arrangement of the scarlet geraniums. Miss’ A, M. Lowe sends a “splash” with clematis flowers, and a couple of necklaces composed of old gold and cardinal satin buttons, delicately painted with tiny flowers a capital imitation of mosaic work, Mrs England has three “ opal ” works, of which the “primrose” is by far the best ; the colouring is soft and the pose good. Miss Rutherford sends a capitally coloured copy of a photograph of a lady (No. 184). Mr J. Gaunt has a couple of exhibits which are marred by too lavish a display of colour, otherwise the handling is very free. Miss F. E. Richardson, who takes a couple of prizes for panels, sends some thorough artistic work. She has a good eye for colour, and her designs are natural. Miss M, A. F. Mannering has a couple of flower studies of groat promise (N 05.204-5). There is evidence of boldness in design, but the colouring is not so effective as the natural pose of the flowers. Miss Gurr has three studies of flowers—on mirrors and a screen. The drawing is very correct, and evidences good taste, but tho colouring is too flat. Miss Madeline Best sends five exhibits of considerable merit; “ Daffodils ” (No. 146) and “Japanese Lilies on Screen” (No. 200) are the best. There is a bold expression in all her works. The colouring is very effective. We should like to see her attempt more ambitious works next , season. Miss Stoddart, who takes a prize for two plaques, displays true artistic skill in grouping and colouring. Her arrangement of the water effect ou oue of the plaques is admirable. Miss Ethel Grady sends several capital copies «wp£ works. This young lady has con-

Jstderable skill, and we should like to see I her hand tried on copies from nature, jOne slight fault in her works is an »over-abundance of colour. Miss Stella Dransfield has only one exhibit (No. 140), “White Irises,” which betrays a good promise for future work. Miss Hodgkins has three flower subjects of considerable merit. Her best work is “ Daffadils and Waterflowers ” (No. 103)., The colouring is rich and effective. Her warm tones are artistically blended.

SCHOOL OP DESIGN. The students o£ the School of Design are to be fairly congratulated on the general exct-Ilcnco of their work, although the exhibits in several classes are not so good or numerous as they were last year, owing to the fact that most of the best work has been sent away. The studiesinoil from life are crude—too vivid and unnatural. The drawings and shading from the round are of great merit. The casts as a rule show talent, and are very creditable productions. In the colour work the studies from still life are vigorous, but the young students’ one fault of over-freedom of colour is visible in most of them. There is evidence of plenty of power to grasp the designs, but the finish lacks refinement. In the sepia works there are some capital exhibits, showing great freedom with the brush, as well as a true eye for the delicate effects of light and shade.