New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-11-11
WATER COLORS AT TIE KEPPEL GALLERY

Messrs Frederick Keppel & Co. have arranged an
exhibition OF American water colors which will be
found TO represent hi:h average OF merit. The
exhibition distinct advance upon that held in this
gallery last year, since 1t contains little or nothing
which is wholly embarrassing, little which Is un-
redeemed either by personal sentiment or by tact In
execution. There claims put forth in behalf
of this little collection. 1t Is not representative
In the comprehensive sense. nor Is 1t composed Of
masterpieces" II is simply the kind Of collection
which might be gathered together in an unpreendng
way by persons with a preference for painting rather
than racontage. Out of the many phases of our
water color art two both sufficiently familiar find
expression here IN the work of tonats like Messrs
Wyant and Murphy, and the work of the linear
draughtsmeu like Mr.. Filter. Messrs wyant and
Murphy may be suspected of working with the rag
and sponge quite as much with the brush, Both
have aimed at effect rather than form, but their
effects not aggressive nor untruthful Mr. wyants
water colors contain no formal drawing. and indeed
the drawing has been minor consideration. Those
who pictures with the end of
the nosep will be likely to accuse
Mr. wyant Of incohercncy but at reasonable distance
the parts of his gray, misty landscapes take their
proper relations and 1t VIII be seen that the artist
has made picture, and picture which bears
true relation to certain phases of nature Mr..
Murphy is another sympathetic painter, but Mr..
Murphy is regardful of the forms and details
less reserve in his colorng wherein he relieves his
grays, dull and browns with washes OF yellow
and brighter colors, varying his level fields
time, with foliage set against the sky Perhaps a
purst might ask for more form and atmosphere in
the pictures of these two artists but they will be
found 10 be charming expressions OF sensitiveness
10 natural effects and feeling for harmonious tonaiy.
This feeling is shared by Mr.. Dewey. who exhibits
some delicate pale green landscapes, executed in
light washes. with less reworking than the Others.
and with appearance of greater spontaney The
study of sand dunes admirable example of pic ors
effect gained by simple Mr. Plat shows
three studies which show tact in composition and a
be simpler than the sketch of the yellow road up a
hill in a fishing village but the artist has chosen his
point of view we'll. and the figure and cart and other
details immediate helps pictorial completeness.
His paintings of shore views Of boats against
stretches of water. ambitious in a way and
they justify faith in the artists development even
though the treatment Of water stretching beyond a
fine confusion of sails IS less fortunate. Mr. Filter
shows rural scene which indicates closer observance
Of color well form and we have other wafer
colors by Mrs Hirschberg, Mr.. smith, Mr.. shurleit
and Mr. Nicoll. while Messrs. Maynard ana treer
supply the important fgure-work. the latter
sending some large studies of heads, freely painted
in a manner familiar TO eXhibtiOn-cOerS Mr. Kos IN
berg shows good judgment in selection in his study
OF a buckwheat field although his cOlorng l. Dy no
means mpecca able. Mr.. Hewlett. a new conner gives
a good account OF himself in sketches. slight in
texture, but creditabe because the artist has shown
in choosing the essentials in the material before
him, and has been able to express himself q rectN
and effectively Mr.. Sterner Is another cont Ilbut0r,
young artist who has Cleaned after french ana franco
Italian painters and draughtsmen. with results which
promise development II the seeming promise Is not
marred by the artist himself or by njudcious friends