FRANCES HODGKINS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 20, Issue 512, 14 April 1949, Page 5

FRANCES HODGKINS

Sir,-Margaret Frankel (Christchurch) suggests that some of Frances Hodgkins’s paintings be shown in all the centres. The exhibition of some of my late sister’s more modern work I consider both unjust to the artist and to the public. As every artist knows, the practice of painting is subject to moods and all artists attempt to paint at times with hopelessly poor results; these results are usually thrown aside. Much of my sister’s work is of this nature and should not be exhibited. I have not seen the five pictures sent out by the British Council, but if they are comparable to the sample sent out previously,. then they should be treated discreetly. Frances justly, I think, became known in England as a water-colourist of repute, in which medium she undoubtedly extelled. Her treatment of colour and form in brilliant sunlight was a pleasure to the eye of anyone conversant with the subtle hues and tones that lie between \the extreme poles of all the colours of the spectrum, that are comparable with the chords and scales of music or the finished product of a literary master. Frances was an impressionist, that is to say, she gave the impression of form whilst weaving colour and form into art. Her colour is usually beautifully blended and flows in curves of beauty as doe$ all good music, painting, or literature. . I should like to see an exhibition of her work, shown in all the centres, | chosen from all the periods of her many changes in expression over the last 50 years, accompanied by some sensible explanations for the guidance of the public and the critics. I make the suggestion in all humility. for what it ics worth.

P. D'E.

HODGKINS

(Auckland).