OTAGO ART SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22326, 28 July 1934, Page 22

OTAGO ART SOCIETY

SKETCH AND CRAFTS EXHIBITION ii. In overmuch of the landscape work shown there has been a disposition to crowd into a small space enough subject matter for half a dozen pictures. A simple scheme of painting is almost impossible in such circumstances and cohesion is often lost.' To get away from the mountains sometimes is very desirable. A. Dickison has done so to good purpose in drawing for his subjects largely upon the pleasant scenery of the Taicri and Wnihola, His work shows further advance in the use of the water-colour medium, and future results may be looked forward to with interest. “ Bcthnnc’s Gully,” “ Gums at Waihola,” and “ The Taicri River ’’ are among his most satisfying exhibits. Close and painstaking work with small brushes is not productive of the results which give water colour its peculiar charm. Some tendency to over-work the medium seems to be discernible in ,1. B. Hope’s landscapes on this occasion. “ Leading in the Hay,” a pleasing rural scene, is perhaps his most successful composition among a faithfully limned group.

The well-known signature of “ Bob ” Reid is attached to several landscapes in both mediums, all showing character-

istic, finished work. As usual these are low in tone and are in contrast with the manner which finds favour in the schools to-day. The draughtsmanship is impeccable. “ The Old Stable, Mount Stuart,” may be specially singled out, In portraiture a study in oils of a girl’s head by Dorothy Jeukin commands attention, and reveals some excellent work. It is certainly a somewhat difficult poise on the part of the sitter, evidenced in the up-tilted chin, which has been chosen. Another contribution to the portrait section is C. Buchan. His are cheerful studies.

In flower studies in particular, mainly roses, Mrs Cox has done well. “The Pottery Jug” is a very meritorious and attractive example of still life. Roses form the subject also of an excellent little contribution by M. J. Gardner* The water colours of E. Williamson show painstaking work; they will be more convincing when hardness has been eliminated.

Mrs T. M'Crorie, a consistent exhibitor, is represented to advantage in landscapes in which trees as usual figure conspicuously. “ Reflections ” may bo considered the most attractive composition in her group. Some small coast scenes by A. M. Darling show this artist’s competence. The Oamaru beach scene is very pleasing. Distinct progress in water colour is discernible in contributions by Anne Johnstone, as, for example, her street scene and her study of a head.

The landscapes of E. W. Walden do not gain by being so much on the dark side. This means a loss of the brilliance of which the water colour medium in particular is so capable. “ Mount Earnslaw,” which has been the subject of an award, stands out as a well-com-posed and attractive little study. A. Latham is another artist whose penchant seems to be for sombre tones and weight of colour. In his choice of subjects lie has been successful in avoiding thj hackneyed point of view. Marked by richness in colour his “ Paterson’s Inlet ” shows out well among his exhibits. Quite the most attractive among some pleasing little water colour contributions by Mrs Holloway is “ Colac Bay." “The Last Gleam, Jubilee Park,” a study in oils of trees and sunlight, stands out among the exhibits of F. Sykes. Among several water colours by 0. Smeaton White “ Queen’s Gardens ” and “ Blueskin Bay ” arc perhaps the most successful, though more clarity in colour would be beneficial.

In the still life by G. Edwards there is some conspicuously good work, but the general effect is somewhat bald. Water colours shown by M. Kirkpatrick are slight but dainty. Though not very advanced in technique the water colours of Winifred Stark show promise. “ The Gate Stands Open ” is perhaps the most successful. Miss M. Smith is represented by a trio of landscapes well up to her usual standard. “ After the Rain ” by Florence Cooper is an effective little study. A still life, " Pears," may bo singled out among contributions by Maud Wilkie.

j Other exhibitors in the colour section include Nellie Hutton. M. Passmore, D. C. Eborhnrdt. Pearl Hutton, Ann M'Millan, R. Wilkie, Gertrude .Jeffreys, P. J. Gook. Carl Wessmann, Alleta Hutton, H. K. Dnlrymple, J. T. Scott. M. 0. Douglas, W, Kane and A. Pearse. In the small but interesting black and white section are drawings by T. H. .Tonkin, C. Wessmann, M. B. Rac, F. Sykes, C. Buchan and C. S. White. An admirably executed dry-point, “ Tottenham Road, London,” is to the credit of Gordon Tovcy, also three effective little lino cuts. Clever pen and ink drawings by Annette Pearse will attract attention, and possess a charm of their own. Artistic photographs by A. Gotten and .T. G. Johnson also find a place on the screen.

Modelling as a branch of art finds apparently as yet but few local devotees. The one exhibit of this kind by Russell Clark, the head of a Maori, is, however, a capital piece of work, full of character. This artist’s versatility is further shown in wood carving, the poise of tlie figure in his “ Danse Macabre ” being arresting in its abandon.

The varied exhibits in the crafts section will well repay attention, some very skilful and artistic work being shown.