Omaha daily bee., 1889-01-20
ART CULTURE.
The Western Association Listens to a
Letter on the g ubjeCt.

= va
Mr.. l.. A. Southwick, the prominent artist,
was expected to deliver an address before
the Western Art association of this city last
night, but was unable to do so, being de-
tanned ut Des Moines, where he has been en-
gagged in teaching art i'm the Callahan col
lege. In lieu of the address, however, he
wrote q lecture on the subject of art, which
was read by Mr.. H. l.. Haller. Mr.. South
wick, IN opening his letter, expressed his re-
greet ut not being able TO be present at the
meeting of the association in person.
Taking up the subject of his lecture,
he asks the question, "Why should
we study artf' The answer, he
says Is simple enough. One who can draw
has power. Not that all can succeed in be-
coming great painters, but that 1t is within
the power of everyone to become q skilful
draughtsman, and that knowledge would
prove valuable in whatever profession its
some length upon the advantages possessed
by those having a knowledge of drawing,
MIR. Southwick continuing wrote: "a great
fault Of young students of art is their wish
10 make fine pictures from the outset, and OF
course the result can only be n failure.'
Mr.. Southwick then entered into detail
upon tho requisites for making a good pic
tnre. ~ do not agree wrote he, with
some masters in the idea that instruc-
ton for years or even months
i'm drawing is necessary before
students should touch the brush, In many
cases colors may be used with advantage al
most from the beginning" 1t is very fortu-
nate, he continued, for a student who pos
sesses talent to be placed under an arbitrary
master, who insists on the student pursuing
his method. He should be allowed, to n GER
tain extent, to follow his own theories.
Masters should try to discover the peculiari-
ties of n student and encourage them. In
cases where pupils have had no instruction
in drawing he would advise study from geo.
---.- 4. q - fa,ita HnNxvnx mad
leaves, vases and other objects in light and
shade, etc.
The nest step would be drawing from the
antique, and when students had gained SUI,
i s6sGing kn yi,S charcoal %, outline be wound ahd
advise letting them to experiment
with colors from The same objects. Then
would come the fascinating study from life
drawing, and then painting.
In conclusion MIR. Southwick said: Let
us all do what we can for an art that opens
the eyes of all TO that which is beautiful;
that begets n charm, that elevates the
character aud the life, that warns the heart
and softens and refnes the whole nature.
The beauty of q landscape lies all hidden
from an uncultured eye; the glory of the sun
Set and the dawn, the wealth of autumnal
%0pds' s the majesty osa S Sa m fSIpy sp p1wer
ciated only by. the eyes and
soul of an artist. II is excellent to be able to
decorate our homes with pictures made by
Oul own nanuS, out 10 uecuratt tne ueuTS "
develope the true, the beautiful and the good
in one's nature is more excellent STILL
y 1t is proposed to induce Mr.. Southwick and
his associate, MIR. L. II. Jarien, a French
artist OF considerable prominence to estab-
lish an art school in Omaha, and TO gain this
object the following committee, 20 solicit
scholarships in the school, was appointed;
Mrs. Gilbert, chairman; Miss Pettis, Mrs.
Orr, Mrs. Douisman and Mrs. Ed Davis.
The association adjourned TO meet next
Saturday night, when the report Of the
above committee will be heard. Mr.. South
wick is expected to be present ut that
meetmg.
The valuable paintings of Mrs. Campbell
Girard, OF Washington, including Rembrandt's
Rabbi, his portrait of himself, Murillo's st.
John tho Baptist, and others aggfegating a
value Of more than 500, 900 still remain in
the gallery. Tee association now has 2I0
members enrolled.