FASCINATION OF ETCHINGS

Taranaki Daily News, 13 July 1933, Page 7

FASCINATION OF ETCHINGS

MB. JOHN L. MOORE’S EXHIBITION. INTEREST AT NEW PLYMOUTH. Widespread interest is being shown in Mr. John L. Moore’s exhibition of etchings and water-colours at New Plymouth, especially in his etchings and studies of native trees, which lend themselves to black and white work. Mr. Moore uses the dry-point etching process. The drawing is made direct on to the copper plate and the printing is done in a special press. The considerable number of visitors to the exhibition finds Mr. Moore’s nicety of touch and discrimination in choice of subjects matters for flattering comment. Certainly it is unwise to generalise by saying etchings are more attractive than water-colours of equally high standard, but one finds the daintiness of Mr. Moore’s tree studies irresistible. . ■ A feature of Mr. Moore’s work is the naturalness of his water scenes. Some of his reflections are uncanny, and the skill with which he depicts rushing water is shown in the views of the Huka Falls and Waikato River above the falls. It is difficult to portray rapids-vthe idea of movement, not actual representation of the water, which cannot be copied—and the artist must have some idea of the laws governing the flow of water; one is familiar with the cotton-wool effect in the amateur photographer’s snap of waterfalls. In painting such scenes Mr. Moore applies his knowledge for our delectation. The Picton sounds, though less grand than Milford, possess more intimate charm and suggest peaceful scenes. In contrast to these studies one recalls the rough virility of “Evening Breeze, Taupo,” in which Mr. Moore has caught the spirit of the wind. Another gem of the exhibition revealed in a second visit is a study of the Otaki River, typical of many New Zealand river-beds. The native beech trees —so different from Taranaki bush are shown in all their beauty. The public will have the opportunity of inspecting Mr. Moore’s work at Tingey’s, Currie Street, only for the remaining days of this wek.