“One Man” Show

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 216, 1 December 1927, Page 1

“One Man ” Show

(BEAUTY OF NEW ZEALAND GARDEN REVEALED IN LUCRETIA JOHNSON'S 1 WATERCOLOUR EXHIBITION OPENED THIS AFTERNOON A strong colour sense together with a natural delight in those “sunlit dancing places” in a garden, does not preclude Lucretia Johnson, 8.W.5., from obtaining enjoyment from quiet and lessfrequented spots. “'THE Lily Pond, Kew Gardens.” an ■** exceedingly difficult piece of work in which almost every conceivable shade of green plays a part, comes in striking contrast to Miss Johnson’s studies of multi-hued cinararias, golden headed daffodils or bluebell-swept fields in her “one man” show of watercolours, to be opened this afternoon at the Click Clack Cabaret, at Newmarket. Naturally, the majority of Miss Johnson’s offerings are English. Gardens, of course, predominate. One could almost wish that there were more results to view of her treatment of Auckland light. “Old Farmstead, opposite St. John’s College,” is one of the best examples. Here again her beloved daffodils demurely peep beneath from the hedge. The wind-swept manukas suggest the vagaries of the breeze.

These trees likewise play an important part in the subjects in the Domain. A glimpse of the University has a blazing foreground—Auckland in her gayest autumn mood. “In the Green-House, Ellerslie Race Course,” is a difficult subject demanding sound drawing. “A Garden, Remuera,” is still another example of Miss Johnson’s combined skill and colour sense. The Joy of Colour,” painted at Bath and somewhat similarly treated, is, however, undoubtedly the finest picture on view. No. 1 on the catalogue, it is well worth looking for. | There are glimpsss of thatched cotI tages in Brittany, bluebells in Kew, delphiniums even more blue, and Sussex downs beloved of Kipling. The quantity of work on view is ample evidence, if inded that is necessary. of Miss Johnson’s industry. And although pot-boilers predominate, the standard —if people are prepared to pay—is high. If Miss Johnson can inculcate a lovo of hand-painted furniture and an appreciation of colour and form in this | respect with her craft-work, she will undoubtedly perform a valuable service. ERIC RAMSDEN.