An Accomplished Artist

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 15, 24 October 1930, Page 32

An Accomplished Artist

Delightful Exhibition ITH some truth it may be said that one-man shows are prone to monotony, owing to tendency of many artists who, having attained success in one particular. genre, settle into a groove. with a thoroughness which induces a sense of sameness . when ‘their work is viewed en bloc. This charge, however, cannot be levelled against the Hon. Mrs. Ralph Vane’s recent exhibition of pictures in Wellington, her work in tempera . and water-colour arresting spectators by delightful versatility of subject and treatment. This accomplished artist is a member of a distinguished New Zealand family and is making a short visit to her native land after many wanderings in England and abroad. Hvidence of acute and. meticulous observation of varying climes and conditions is apparent in Mrs. Vane’s work her fascinating subjects being transferred to canvas with a fine sense of colour and. admirable technique. On entering the pleasant salon in Willis Street the first impression gained from comprehensive glance round the walls was of clear and radiant atmospheric effects, excellent draughtsmanship, and entire absence of that bizarre and affected extravagance which often degenerates into conscious or unconscious burlesque. Covetable "bits" of Cornish coast, around which swirled translucent wavelets, found numerous devotees, while others lingered before glamorous glimpses of mysterious East, or vivid impressions of the Canadian Rockies with sparse trees limned. againts entrancing emerald lake or peaks flushed with rose and gold of sunset. Mrs. Vane possesses a faculty that is positively uncanny for seizing upon a subject entirely adaptable for pictorial treatment, and captures the moment as it flies with rare beauty and fidelity, Her tenderness for trees,

in their dignity and lovely aloofness. is apparent in many strikingly truthful studies; as is also the artist’s able and diversified treatment of differing climatic conditions. Bach man to his taste. but many found special appeal in the "Cornish Wood," surely a haven where "peace comes dropping slow,’ with its glancing blues and greens of embracing branches and quiet water. : There remains a memory of wind-swept sea and sky, allure of _ picturesque Freneb village, bold studies of. other men and other manners, -and_ silvery light dreaming through tall ti-trees. It is hoped that in other towns of the. Dominion this fascinating collection of pictures will be shown.-The Minstrel.