The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1881-12-11
ART
ARTICLE v.
Editors Herald:

of paintings exhibited at the Terri
torial Far, find the works of Mr..
John Hafen, who contributed "Sun-
set on the Great Salt Lake," small,
but quite effective little picture,
which attracted considerable atten-
ton. 1t was by no means fair
sample of the gentleman's work, and
did not help his reputation very
largely, because, unaccompanied by
any other paintings, it gave the i'm
preston Of first effort, especially
as it was very highly colored, and
was really too crude a specimen for
exhibition, as the work of one with
Mr.. Hafen'S ability. This artist ex-
hlbited a number of crayon por-
traits in the treatment of which he
has been very successful. The pic
lures cannot rank high as works of
art, but the artistic touch so neces-
Sary to satisfactory results, was
plainly shown, and to the extent of
art possible in such work, they were
artistic. One of the pictures, how
ever, possessed merit which to
some extent was overlooked; it
being strictly a crayon drawing, I'M
aided by mechanical or other appli-
ances. While it lacked to some ex-
teut thr accuracy Of the other
portlalto, IL showed Mr.. Hafen's
ability better than anything
which he exhibited. 1t is I'M
fortunate that this artist did
not interest himself sufficiently to
have made better showing, which
he could readily have done. Young
as he is, he has shown much talent,
and he will yet reach a high standard.
Devoted to art, with a refinement of
taste altogether above his surround
ingS he struggles along, and quite
often produces a work which is
really surprise to his friends, but
being closely pressed for the means
Of suStenance, he often disposes Of
his productions at prices which
| demOraliZes other artists, whose
needs are not as pressing, and whose
capacities for producing pictures are
not so extended. Such talent as
Mr.. Hafen possesses really deserves
encouragement, and is of that
character which juStifieS a thorough
art training, which | hope that cir
cum5tances will enable him to pro-
cure.
Mr.. Lorus Pratt next demands
attention, and l find his exhibit to
be: Copies of Chromos," and por-
traits in oil of Farley 2. Pratt" and
"OrSOn Pratt" There were few
things in the collection which
elected more interest than one of
these copies Of cheap pictures. It
was not in the fullest sense a copy
because several of the features
had been materially and quite
artistically metamorphosed. 1t
seemed almost a waste of
time to spend so much labor, on
subject so Valueless; yet as illus
trating this artists capacity for this
kind Of work, which at times is very
valuable, this little picture will long
be remembered. Indeed it was
puzzler, for even now the writer,
after the closest scrutiny, is some
what in doubt as to whether it was
a copy or not. If Mr.. Pratt has pro-
duced this picture, through the aid
Of some subtle trick, by which he
has confOunded us, must give him
credit for Smartness. II it is really
a copy, drawn and colored from the
original by the aid of pencil, brush
and paint alone, without transfer or
mechanical aid, the gentleman has
within him the elements Of a for
tune, and if he can copy valuable
works as effectively as this. Let him
look to it. The two portraits eXhib-
tied by this gentleman show that he
is progressing very nicely in that
line. Those who remember "Par-
ley" say that the likeness was very
good. Everybody here knew
"Orson,' and no one failed to recOg-
nize the portrait. The treatment of
the pictures in many respects was
much ahead of that which the wri-
ter looked for, and it betokens a de-
velopment in this line which will
yet lead to excellence. Lorus is a
young man, and evidently much
attached to his profession. He
deserves encouragement and will
undoubtedly receive it. Like all
Young artists, he should remember
never to slight anything. Look well
to detail, watch anybody and every
body who has points worth learn
ing; utilize everything learned
to make better pictures; work hard
and patiently, and you will earn all [
the honorS you desire, and the &C
companying ducatS. Go ahead
Lorus, and never get discouraged.
Inotice next on the list, eight oil |
paintings by master S. NJ. Barrett
IL years of age. This young gentle
man shows considerable taste and
execution when we remember his
tender age. Under good tutor,
who would unhesitatingly sacrifice
display to thorough schooling, this
bow would in all probability develop
into an artist. At the next fair
there should be a department
especially for the exhibition Of juV-
emile art productions; as alongside
the more pretentiOuS works Of DC
complished artists, the merits of
this class of work are necessarily
unfairly dealt with. because they
seem to be in competition.
Some school paintings by Miss
Priscilla Jennings attracted consid-
cradle attention. as the works
o-,,o.r ap,otoi,r bt,E H..