The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1894-06-19
FOR LOVERS OF ART.
Splendid Work of Mr.. Howard
Hitchcock.

artists, and thus il the form of the
Art League Exhibition. given the
public an opportunity of seeing the
various works of the different
branches of art here. 1t 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
eve 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 its 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.
1t is a 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.
1t 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 a
high key, always the most difficult,
but if successful in result capable,
especially in landscape, of far
reaching effect.
L We think that Mr.. Hitchcock
mas we'll chosen this most difficult,
ret more ambitious treatmrnt, for
he has given US in a style pecu-
iarly his own, some of the most
Iubtile and brilliant effects of trop-
cal light. There is distinct in
lividuality or manner in his work
which in SO young an artist should
promise a development of style
which may eventually be called
lis own. 1t is pleasing 10 see him
strike out boldly as his spirit car
res him towards distinct style
il the treatment of scenes of his
native country. 1t is just this in
dviduality if it is conscientious
aid governed by academic training
that gives promise in a young art
is of great things.
We cannot leave Mr.. Hitchcock s
work without saying how justly
proud his countrymen should be of
'rhe Village By-Road," which is
tie centre piece of the exhibition.
Eere we have a work which has al
rady passed the critical and ex-
cusive test of the Paris Salon. The
work in itself is treated with won
drful vigor, but that is perhaps the
last of it's merit, for it contains
sch a wealth of atmosphere, to-
gther with most poetic suggestion
dreamy quietude. Much could