ACADEMY EXHIBITION

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 13, 11 October 1943, Page 6

ACADEMY EXHIBITION

Interesting Work On View A study of the works on view at the annual exhibition of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts in the D.I.G. Building, Wellington, is as . interesting as ever. As usual the principal -. oils are on the eastern wall. Centred is a life-size, three-quarter length (seated) portrait of the Minister of Supply. Mr. Sullivan, by Elizabeth Kelly, Christchurch, whose smooth technique is responsible for a fine mellow-toned portrait of the Minister. Had she imported a little more ruggedness into the 'lines of the face, it would still be Mr. Sullivan. However, it is an unmistakable likeness in subdued tones, modelling and pose, alike good. On either side of the portrait are notable landscapes. On the one side in “Hill-Top," by Archibald Nicoll, Christchurch, a lively stretch of upland, with spring green field in the foreground, in which the freshness of the season has crept into pigment and perspective. Mr. Nicoll always shows a strong pictorial sense, with sound values to back it. On the other side of Mr. Sullivan’s portrait is “Titahi Coastline,” by Cedric Savage, another product of the Christchurch school. This strongly painted bit of rugged coast, high above the swirling tide of Cook Strait, gives one a rather breathtaking idea of the steeps that flank the strait about Titahi. Nice variety of tone and admirable sense of altitude apd windblown atmosphere are in this painting. . Near at hand, and not to be missed, is “Arrowtown.” by Evelyn Page, a lovely glimpse in autumn tints of the aventied approach to the little mountain town, with nice perspective, and n comfortable warmth of expression. “Lake Ferry. Queenstown,” is another good bit of quayside sketching by this artist. Sydney L. Thompson. Christchurch, is also creditably represented. Tn one he has returned to his Concarneau boats and rod sails, as vivid and attractive ns ever, but an even better painting is his “Entrenchments and Pohutukawas ar Ma-hn’-nnzi Heads.” With a gnarled old giant, of the forest in the foreground Cecil Kollv. Christchurch. has seven oil paintings, none bettor than he has shown ns in previous years, though all pleasant enough paintings in his metier. Tie never appears to roam far from Christchurch in search of subjects. The group includes “Tim Bridge of Remembrance. Christchurch." from a rather awkward angle, a typical glimpse of Oxford Terraco and a doorway in Canterbury College. Linley Richardson, Palmerston North, contributes variously. His aged Maori woman is strong work that somehow or other is not quite right, but. his sure brush finds good expression in “Playmates’ and “Kowhai T’ime.” Ivy Fife contributes a quiet, sincere study of a hoy. ’ somewhat disturbed by the strong pattern of the background, and Elizabeth Wallwork exhibits a pastel portrait that boasts good drawing .and colour sense. There, are also interesting paintings by W. A. Sutton, Basil Honour, Esther Hope, Marcus King. S. B. McLennan, Rata Lovell-Smith. Rons Fleming. Irini Vane, and W. S. Wauchop among the oils.

T. A. .McCormack dominates the water colours on the western wall. An original painter of distinction, Mr. McCormack follows his own flair for colour tones in the highest key; yet always manages to attain rhythmic composition in pleasant accord with his esoteric palette. Tim academy Ims purchased one of the largest of his works out of T. G. Mnearlhy Trust money. His “Slill Life,” another large painting, is another treasure that pleases the trained eye. Half a dozen other McCormacks, including one of Wellington Harbour, arc all highly desirable. Nugent Welch, now on surge of popularity, has five smallish water-col-ours, two of which are not for sale, “Rural Richmond” ami “A Rustic Scene” are both pleasant paintings. Jean Mackay’s work is pleasing again, and Gwynneth Richardson’s contributions are well worth their place on the wall. Among a wealth of others there is sound work from Mabe] Hill (Mrs. Mclndoe, Dunedin). IV. S. Wauchop. Sydney Higgs, Eric Gully. Grace Butler. R. J. Wag horn, Webster Nash. J. L. Pniethorpe and O. Laugesen, which calls for attention. In modelling there is a bust: of F. Joan Milliken, by Alexander Fraser, and some beautiful craft work in silver and pewter by Mary Hanham. her two necklaces being highly decorative in design amt execution.