EXHIBITION OF ART

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26703, 24 February 1948, Page 8

EXHIBITION OF ART

PAINTINGS BY ROY J. DICKISON

A group of water colours of scenes from the ballet give a topical interest to the exhibition of paintings which Roy J. Dickison is showing in the Vedic Lounge. Mr Dickison is one of the few Otago artists who can, ,with confidence and ability, portray the human figure, and for this reason his annual show has a more than ordinary appeal. “ Meditation,” another figure study, will probably have more appeal to critical observers than the ballet pieces. Gracefully composed, with warm under-tints in the flesh colour, it is one of the most attractive life studies in the water medium that Mr Dickison has shown. Of the landscapes around the walls those painted at'Manapouri and Hawea have a particular charm and give the artist full rein for his technique both as a draughtsman and colourist. “Westerly Storm Clouds, Lake Manapouri,” is an oil that will demand immediate attention because of its tonal harmonies, harmonies that are repeated in “ White Gums and Manuka, Timaru Creek.” An unusual composition is treated deftly and with vigour in “Mount Christena from the Divide,” the glowing green of the forest providing an effective frame for the bulk of the mountain yet in no way confining its grandeur. . Among the water colours “ Spring Afternoon” is outstanding for the freshness and spontaneity of its colour and the play of lights oiT the distant hillsides. "Calm Bay, Manapouri,” and “ Sunshine and Snow,” are other attractive examples of the artist’s use of glowing, transluscent colour. Mr Dickison does not usually show much still life,‘but two of the pictures he hangs in the present exhibition almost steal the show. They are “Oriental Poppies,” a daring but eminently successful venture in reds and greens, and “ Mt. Cook Lilies,” an unusual and harmoniously arranged water colour of rare charm. The exhibition will remain open until Friday.