ELTHAM ARTIST’S SUCCESS

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 20 June 1933, Page 4

ELTHAM ARTIST’S SUCCESS

EXHIBITION IN NEW YORK

REGARDED AS BORN PAINTER.

Mr Wallace Harrison, a- son of Mr •J. Harrison, Eltha.ni, is attracting the attention of aib critics in America and (Imping lais-t month held a “one-nm’ exhibition' of his paintings in New York, accordiing to advice received in Eltham. Begin,ning his paintings incommercial art, Mr Harrison lias gone from success to success until 1 now his exhibition ■ gives him the standard of an accepted artist. Reviewing the painter’s work, which was shown in the Valentine ■Gallery, Mr Maurice Sachs says : “Mr Harrison has much grace and! manly strength, which are difficult to combine, and it i:j quite obvious that he is a horn painter. He has been influenced by two great painters of to-day—by Matiisso in his colouration and by Picasso in his construction. He has well learned a valuable lesson, has thoroughly understood its value, and has emerged of his training an original painter. His temperament and qualities will doubtless lead him to a conspicuous and successful career. May the public not let hirii wait too long for a recognition that lie already deserves and that lie will deserve more and more.” Mir Harrison resided with his- parents at Eltham and is chiefly remembered in that town for his prowess on the golf links. H.is career as an artist began with study under Proctor at Auckland, from where he went to Sydney a.s a- commercial artist. From Sydney he travelled to America, and there interrupted his commercial work to go to ■ Europe andi .study fine art. A§ the culmination of his studies in Europe followed the exhibition at New York, where his home now is. Although his work is now futuristic —or more correctly modern—Mr Harrison’s earlier efforts followed the older traditions, and in his parents’ possession are two early portraits' of themselves, wherein are combined photographic accuracy and ibold and vigorous flesh tints, showing that the artist- might have excelled in this kind of work, had he desired.