MR. GULLY'S PICTURES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 250, 1 November 1879, Page 2

MR. GULLY'S PICTURES.

The Sydney correspondent of the Auckland Herald writes :— I have already remarked respecting the effect which the pictures have had upon the general aspect of the court. I repeat that no other colonial court displays representa tions of scenes so beautiful or an equal number of good paintiogs. Mr Johu Gully's eight views in water colours are hung together ia a choice position and in a capital light, which enables them to be seen to the fullest advantage. The central place is filled by a " Winter Sunset," on Lake Wakatipu, a vefy large water colour of remarkable beauty* especially in the aerial effects of the extreme distance, which, bathed in saffron gleams— water, ranges, and sky alike suffused—brings to mind Campbell's description of summer sunset at the other side of the world, on mountains whose Sunbrigbt summits mingle with the sky. Mr Gully has obviously made a special study of sky effects. His "Entrance to Otira Gorge " is also a sunset scene ; and in his view of Lake Pearson, he has seized a powerful contrast of snow-capped peaks with black impending clouds, harbingers of coming tempest. But Gully's style must be too familiar to New Zealanders for it to be requisite for me to dilate upon its characterics. It will suffice to apprise readers of the scenes which make up the collection on exhibition. These are, " Junction of Otira and Teremakau rivers," the scene being a road winding along the brink of a steep ravine or gully abundantly clothed in vegetation, while in the background towers a tremendous , snowy peak. The Needle Peak, Milford Sound, a terrific medley of troubled water, abrupt heights with a tumbling, thready cascade, and above all a lofty peak, its scarred face rifted with snow, and swept by ;.driving clouds ; « Teremakau Valley, early morning "—a placid scene, with the flush of dawn coming up behind the hills which bound the valley; "Valley of the Cass," in which the effects of " sunset on anow " are perpetuated; and, laatly, " The Valley of the Wairarapa," an extensive view of a champaign country from ranges which overlook it.