The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1894-06-18
FOR LOVERS OF ART.
Splendid Work of Mr.. Howard
Hitchcock.

Honolulu may congratulate itsel1
in having, for the first time. col
lected together works of resident
artists, and thus IL the form of the
T Art League Exhibition, given the
public an opportunity of seeing the
various works of the different
branches of art here. It is ALWAYS
an advantage that the sister arts
should meet in one field of exposi-
ton. In this instance an advan-
tage is obtained which is denied to
the exhibitions in great cities, if it
is only that the branches there are
wholly separated in different gal
leries, thereby preventing that
happy combination of plastic mate
rial and color. 1t is this feature
which, perhaps, will first strike the
eye of the observer on entering this
first art exhibition of Honolulu.
A small exhibition, such as the
Art League at King Brothers in
Hotel street, presents, perhaps, in
its small confines most charming
combination. Here we see oil
painting, sculpture, water color and
wood carving, arranged together in
one small room, and this, while not
detracting from any one branch,
adds beauty to the whole.
Oil painting has always had the
precedence of it's sister arts in ex-
hibitions, and it will be to it that
we shall first draw the attention of
the public. There are only two
painters in oil represented there,
and it is with pleasure that we re-
cognize one of Jules Tavernier's
most spirited works.
It is scene in Hilo, bright in
tone and vigorous in treatment.
There is an exquisite delicacy of
color about this little picture the
rich blue of the sky of the bright
tropical day enhanced by contrast
with the deep shade surrounding
the canoes and houses, liquid
ness of atmosphere peculiarly Ha-
waiian and most forcibly portrayed |
by many works of this dead painter, !
is of all things most characteristic
In this picture. 1t is to be regret
ted that this is the only work in
oil hung there of Jules Tavernier.
It is, however, with interest and
pleasure that we wish to draw at
tention to the numerous works in
oil by Howard Hitchcock. This
promising young painter in the
first moments of his return from
France is showing so much energy
and activity in stimulating interest
and enthusiasm in all branches of
art in his native land, that he de-
serves the gratitude and encour-
agement of the community. So
lately from the Latin Quarter of
Paris, and with the experience of
three years among the gems of
the Louvre and the studios, he has
a right to dictate and give advice,
at least to us living so far from art
centers.
Mr.. Hitchcock has not been idle
since his return; he has painted
on Hawaii many charming scenes |
which show crispness and fresh .
ness. He is painting now in
high key, always the most difficult,
but if successful in result capable,
in landscape, of far
effect.
We think that Mr.. Hitchcock
has we'll chosen this most difficult,
yet more ambitious treatment, for
be has given US in style pecu-
Iiarly his own, some of the most t
subtitle and brilliant effects of trop- s
ical light. There is a distinct in t
or manner in his work
which in so young an artist should
promise a development of style
which may eventually be called
ais own. It is pleasing to see him
strike out boldly as his spirit car
les him towards distinct style
n the treatment of scenes of his
native country. It is just this In
if it is CONSCIENTIOUS
md governed by academic training
hat gives promise in a young art
st of great things.
We cannot leave Mr.. Hitchcock g
work without saying how justly 7
proud his countrymen should be of
The Village By-Road," which is {
he centre piece of the exhibition.
Here we have a work which has al
eady passed the critical and ex-
;lusive test of the Paris Salon. The
work in itself is treated with Won
lerful vigor, but that is perhaps the
east of it's merit, for it contains
uch a wealth of atmosphere, to-
'ether with q most nOetic suggestion