The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-04-30

could not grasp more detail than is here
portrayed; certainly the naked eye could
get no such impression OF flying birds.
The consequence is that, true as these
geese are, marvellous in exactness of touch
and Of color and texture, they do not move,
but are suspended in midair like bit OF
still life.
Some Of the moonlight landscapes of this
artist are charmingly observed and sim
plicity itself: mere suggestions. In the
presence Of these pictures IL is easy 10 see
where the germ was born that blossomed
out into the masterful art of Whistler;
no less honor TO Whistler, discoveries are
not less than inventors. He had the
genius to recognize the truth and develop
it past anything ever dreamed Of in jap
anese philosophy.
Closing Days of the Exhibition.
During the closing days the ninth an
nual exhibition of the Society OF Washing
ton Artists was fairly well attended, but
1t was in no way the popular success 1t
should have been.
This is due to several causes, one Of
which is that a number of the leading To-
cal painters did not exhibit this year. An
other reason was the managements failure
TO advertise in the daily papers Com
parativeIy few people knew that the an
d.
new galleries.
II is strongly argued In some quarters
that the gallery, attractive and complete
as II is, is located too far away from the
business centre, and it is mentioned in
this connection that the New York and
London academies are very centrally To-
Gated. Through the generous support OF
its associate members, the society is able
to hold and conduct its exhibitions at this
IzNl ~UNl
isolation OF the gallery Is the principal
reason for the great falling off in patron
age.
The gallery is In the best residence Sec
ton The difficulty lies in a lack of local
pride, on the part of Washington people,
that sort of pride which takes enthusiastic
interest in the work Of its home artists.
II is probable that wider recognition OF
local painters, away from home may pro-
duee the desired awakening and revival of
/ interest In local art work. At all events,
something must be done. The burden is
( too heavy for the few active spirits upon
whom falls the work and anxiety attending
| the promotion of exhibitions. While there
remains SO little to encourage these work
I ers, they must battle alone. revival of
! interest and patronage would effect the de-
sired change. The discouraged ones would
| return and go TO work with some enthusi-
asm.
In the mean time, those friends of local
art who take real interest in art. are
much concerned about the future of Or
ganized art in Washington. The opti-
mists are few, but without knowing Just
( how, they are confident that, by another
season, things will have taken a turn for
the better, and the clouds that overcast
the S. w. A. will have passed away. II
is hoped they may not be disappointed.
Work by Local Artists.
With the advent OF the first warm spring
days, the painters heart is filed with
longings. He dreams OF atmosphere ra-
diant with blue and violet, against which
pink and white apple blossoms with theiI
accompanying sprays of tender green looi
SO very lovely. Perhaps this dream i'm
pels him to take an electric car in the
early morning. He soon finds himself
whirled TO the suburbs where his dream il
realized.
Returning to the studio, in some bus,
| street, commerce, with its ceaseless hustle
never seemed more uncongenial. Ponder
I ing before some unfinished order that rest!
upon his easel. be figures on where he vii
go this summer The low condition O
his finances disturbs him. About the stu
do are piled framed canvases, which hav'
been returned TO him from exhibitions I'M
sold; things that he often values as hi
best work. What is to be done? They be
come burden.
Then 1t is that he is ripe for al auc
ton. Anything to clear the deck and maxi
room for more and better pictures. Som
OF the best men have put their heads TO
gether and under the leadership OF Mr.
Hodgkins, one of the foremost amateurs
have arranged for sale Of work from III
local studios TO take place at Sloan's OF
Wednesday next.
The following men will be represents
in the coming exhibition and sale: Ma
Weyl, Edward Siebert. the brothers Ho
bart, and Spencer Nichols. De Lancy Gill
Harold Mcdonald. lie Grande Johston
Lucien Powell. and Samuel Hodgkins
II Is not likely that all the pictures vii
be the best that ever went with the name
they bear but one may be very sure O
getting more than his moneys worth
whatever he buys. It Is hoped that goo
prices may be obtained. for such success