Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-12-16
ART IN-~wAsHINGToN.
A Word or Two For Local Artists.

"Ord or Two For Local Artists.
An intelligent and dsinterested cores
pendent contributes the following:
Even If ''prophesy is the most gratuitous
form of folly" VIC must brave the conse-
quences and predict that, before many
years are past, Washington will be the
center OF national art, as she already is CT
national science. This will seem paradox
to those who say that THIS city contains fewer
patrons Of art than many others of half its
size. But, when Individual spleen has drunk
its fill! and the Corcoran Gallery of Art is al
lowed to evolve its noble design of great school
of pictorial, plastic and Industrial art. the rising
talent of the nation will throng it's studios The
Senators, Representatives and changing tide of
visitors will take back many gem of art to de-
corate their farcT homes and inhaie many ideas
OF beauty and delight in the artistic atmosphere
of the capital. Let US even Row take partial
stock OF what supply exists for those who arc
willing to look beneath their feet for such means
of Identifying their abodes as il may be that ig-
norance q what is Oil the spot makes US go fur
ther ana. perhaps. fare worse. We must
remember that good pictures are good pictures
Wherever they are to be found, and that often
work with no well known name in the corner
Will prove as sweet as one so signed. and at
fraction of the cost. There are at least three
artists resident in Washington now whose work
merits respectful attention. For all we know
there may be score. But visit to the studios
In vernon ROW will repay the passer-by more
than many longing, lingering look at the
attractive stores along that thoroughfare.
MI homes. OF the geological survey, will en-
terrain Us first. A lasting proof of his skill as
drauChtsinan may be seen in the works pub
hshed by the chronological Society and the COM
mlttee on physical geography, in which the il
Illustrations OF Indian life and the views of
curlosItleS OF western scenery are products of
his pencil. But, unfortunately, these plates
miss the point in which Mr.. Holmes strength
partly lies-the power of color. This Gift is
seen at Its best in pictures of Venetian life and
stuoles OF the quaint heads of Old-timey
europeans One of these drawings. in which
the tender colors of the distant buildings OF
venice echo the richer glow of the nearer
boating scene. the whole being set in quiet
SKY ana sea of svery gray. received place of
nonor at the last water-coor exhibition in
New lOrk. Mr.. Holmes works on the principle
OF going right through with picture and this,
aided by firm and decided touch. gives his
work a breadth and freshness often denied to
more elaborate drawings.
MIR. Max Weyrs work is in quite another
style In many OF his pictures he seems to ap-
ply the ideas of Corot to Columbia scenery
Inc scheme OF grey in the painting entitled
ION the New Jersey Coast" would delight the
admirers OF the popular Frenchman. But we
THINK that his more finished pictures are espe-
cially pleasing. such as 'Hay Baryes on the
Canal" now in the possession of gentleman
resident In Washington. Mr.. Weyls decorative
studies OF flowers are pleasantly unconven-
tionai. full of rich color and good drawing
visitors to the Corcoran Gallery need not be
reminded OF Mr.. Brooke The author of THE
Pastors Visit is also to be found in Vernon
Row He is very happy with scenes of colored
lie, and in this line shows his capablity of
adapting the instruction OF Bonnat to scenes of
''Old Virginny.'
Now that we have noticed the works of resi-
dent "ashnRtOnlans, we may also remind our
readers OF MIR. Walter Paris the English artist,
whose violin returns to Washington with the
earliest frost. His talent as a painter is fresh
IN our memory, owing to the pleasant reception
which he held on Saturday at the Art Club
rooms. Here might be seen varied collection
OF water-color drawings done in the presence of
nature. and illustrating the scenery of Lake
george, the Catskis and the Hudson The
green pastures. red roofs and glowing heather
OF England also properly find place. But,
pleasing as most of these drawings are we must
remark that the studies for decoration show
Mr. Paris at his best. In this field there are few
VINO deserve prize of equal merit. Decoration
Is not the work OF every artist however gifted
but is science in itself. Mr. Paris has the great
advantage of having studied architecture for
many years, and his designs show that he rea-
Lies a fact. forgotten by the ordinary decorator.
that this kind of work must indeed be broadly
treated and follow certain lines. but need not
be conventional. Mr.. Paris has made large
studies from nature of such things as
the branches Of the fir chestnut,
apple. barberry, japanese creeper, honeysuckle
and many other delightful things, and. while
not allowing their native luXuriance to branch
out unrestrained by reason. has given the essen
tial idea of their growth and all TER natural
color. Take one of Mr.. Paris chestnut leaves,
and observe how each part is duly subordinate
10 the whole, but none the less keeps It's indi-
vldnality. and you will have an idea of how this
work differs from the formal and tiresome rene
tlt'on OF unimaginatve and untrue designs.
we should strongly recommend Mr. Paris to
make decoration his speciality, and hope to see
American screen and frieze *
HIS