The eleventh annual B.C. Artists'
exhibition, opened at the Gallery Friday night by Dr. G.G.
Sedgewick, stands out as a colorful and attractive display.
In spite of the absence of some prominent exhibitors and of the large number of
ambitious canvases which made last year's show impressive, the current exhibition
succeeds in maintaining a lively interest and high standard.
On the whole the tendency is toward conservatism, without being academic or dull,
rather than adventuring in experimental and radical fields.
Notable oil paintings, indicating strong individuality and power of achievement of
their creators, include "Up Country" by Ronald Jackson,
a large composition of sweeping lines and bold contrasts in its depiction of an
Indian village and blue-grey distant hills; C.D. Gaitskell's
three forthright expressions of characterful B.C. scenery in "West Coast Cannery,"
"West Coast Mission" and "Spring Chinook, Peace River," and Jane
Billaux's two portrait studies, vibrant with palpitating color and again
revealing this painter as one of the most talented and sensitive artists in the West.
PATTERN OF CLOUDS
Paul Rand has shown individuality and courage in his "Afternoon,"
a scene of open spaces with an intriguing pattern of clouds hanging over sea and land.
In more sombre tones Florence M. Parker has succeeded in
projecting strength and construction in well designed pictures of Galiano.
W.P. Weston, A.R.C.A., again shows in his familiar style
and with fine lyrical and decorative values a landscape combining water, mountains
and vast expanse of sky.
Portraits this year are numerous and unusually effective. R.S.
Alexander has painted in dashing colors a large composition of a girl, lacking
in pictorial structure but carried out with gusto and the glow of exuberant youth.
Lionel Thomas also takes a full stride ahead with his
warm colors and rich virile interpretation of "Reservist Cpl. Ramsey."
LIVELY FEELING
Other interestings models have inspired Mary Bull in her
depiction of an elderly gentleman and Myfanwy Spencer Campbell
in "Trudie," spacious in composition and painted with a lively feeling and virtuosity
recalling John Sargent.
Smaller but convincing with its deep tones and rhythmic forms the canvas of an old lady
by F.J. Prendergast has been painted with both human
tenderness and aesthetic consideration.
The blue "Composition" by Jim Dickie reveals an arrangement
of balanced and varied forms which impart much dignity to a small canvas. This painting
and "The White Flower" by Bess Harris are among the few
semi-abstract or abstract exhibits.
J.H. Eustis in his "Still Life with Squash" has indicated in a
rich rhythmically arranged composition a Cezanne influence.
In her painting of bathers, excellent in its fine strong tones, well arranged masses and
directness, Elizabeth Amess has displayed much vigor and
individuality in one of the most striking pictures in the show.<
B.C.'S SCENERY
"The Artist and His Model" by Fred A. Amess has humor and
liveliness but lacks the unity and plastic sense we expect from this talented painter.
B. Jaenicke has depicted the charms of Alta Lake in deep rich
tones and Daniel McLellan has painted his "Cactus" still life
with decorative feeling and clean fresh color.
Interesting aspects of B.C. scenery are also shown by
Vaughan Grayson,
F.F. Miller (sic),
Margaret Lougheed,
J.L. Shadbolt,
Unity Bainbridge,
R.W. Major and
Margaret H. Carter, whose "Alley" is slight but personal and sensitive.
A second visit is required to enjoy fully the numerous watercolors, pastels,
drawings and sculpture of the B.C. Exhibition and the remarkable display of
75 Latin American prints, sent here by Thomas J. Watson, president of the
International Business Machines Corporation. These two large shows of contemporary
art occupy the whole of the main floor of the Gallery.
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