The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-01-06

play of water COlors ut FIscncr's.
The first of the year found this desk in
my studio woefully Uttered with scraps
CT copy paper, slender clippings from tiny
water colors, letters old and new, and
magazine" Stcvenson's Letters, How
ellis Poems" "McBurney's Memorial, 3"
and Wake Robin" with other books
lesser lights. well nigh showed under
Such hopeless maze it seemed! Re
iiecting upon that wilderness of disorder
the impression deepened almost to a con-
viction that a desk has no business in a
painters studio. | began to see that an
easel and possibly chair are all that
one really needs for a studio if one ex-
poets to do any work there. These med
itations we're broken by the advent of q
quaint invitation to see another art ex-
hibition, and, of course. write 1t up"
In these days of curious and unique book
cover designs here was something very
ingenious and new. The cover of this
invitation was of wall paper. a Japanese
cedar motive in dark green, umber and
white, tied with a bit of gold cord. One
must have been very dull indeed not to
get a thrill of pleasure from so novel
and artistic a decorative composition. 1t
was a CHEEKY invitation and the exhibit
tion of Miss Emma Humphreys and her
class at the league fulfilled completely
the promise of this charming request to
be present First to be noted was 4 Sc
ries of examples of wall paper designs,
n4h frn-
were not the originals. but the factory
product, and seemed quite the equal of
these great Paris productions. Nothing
could be finer than an adaptation of sweet
peas in a linen taDiscloth made from Miss
Humphreys design in Belgium for the
famous linen house Of McCutcheon in New
York
There was one wall paper design of
rare beauty of color and simple natural
ncss-the original drawing, with some
sprays of pale yellow larkspur or snap
dragon. a very decorative flower and one
entirely new to me.
Nothing shown was more artistic than
the japanese dwarf cedar design on
geld ground. This would please a syba-
rite It's harmonious mellow look of an
tique green and gold fingers graciously
in ones memory like 4 bit of something
cid with history.
1t is not 10 be wondered at that Miss
Humphreys very artistic designs are
sought after by the most famous manu-
facturers for she is not a S25-a-week de-
siener who, in some corner of the fac
tory. grinds cut orders from the business
Office, but an artist of the first rank il
her chosen ZELDA field which men like
William Morris elevated to a plane
scarcely less important than any other.
Some excellent work showing much skill
and great interest on the part OF her pu-
pills was also shcwn.
In the death of Mr.. James B. Edmonds
the Society OF Washington Artists loses
one of its most devoted and influential
friends.
MIR. Edmonds was a gentleman of wide
culture in art matters, having Travelled
extensively at home and abroad He be-
lieved firmly in the ability and skill of
our local painters, and was an enthUsi-
astlc patron of their work. In the draw
ing room of the X Street home are large
and important examples in oil by Brooke,
Neyl, Messer, Johnston, and other we'll
known Washington artists.
The atmosphere of this Washington
home was always inspiring to the visitor,
for it was clear that pride in excellent and
wholesome native art was passion with
the genial gentleman.
NO movement mere lOJhlER 10 the uu-
vancement of local art interests was con-
sidered by the organized artists without
first consulting this experienced man OF
the law
MIR Edmonds was from New York State !
having been born in Saratoga County in |
1892 In 1855 he went to Iowa City. Iowa |
where he met with distinguished success |
at his chosen profession. His reputation |
WIS national when he retired in 1876. and |
- nft |
Commissioner, Mr. Edmonds was inter |
ested in every progressive movement in |
this city since he came here to reside. but I
he had fondness for pictures which spent !
itself in encouraging local art and artists. |
Those of the local painters whose pleasant |
privilege It has been to sit at table with !
him and his sympathetic wife, and over |
the nuts and the wine there discuss ex- |
haustively plans for the encouragement of |
some local art movement will not soon !
forget the bracing effect OF such a visit |
to the Edmondses. Never robust since
he came here. Mr.. Edmonds' later years |
were full OF i'll health but. though very
feeble he was ever CHEEKY and kindly to ,
the boys. Some of those boys are grow |
ing old. but they are boys still. and those |
of them who knew this friend Of the !
artists long and intimately realize most |
fully the great loss sustained by the guild |
They know also that the loss Of so valued |
friend Of local art is far greater than |
any sense Of personal bereavement they |
may feel in the passing of dear Mr.. Ed |
monds.
Mr.. Pettes has returned to Washington |
and is holding his annual exhibition OF !
water colors at the Fischer gallery. There |
come to the city. and the public is in
vited to see. many collections of water |
colors at various places about town dur /,
ing the year, but none of these is to be |
compared with the high class Pettes col |
lections Mr.. Pettes IS himself a con- |
noisseur of discriminating taste and judg- |
ment His pictures are secured by him |
personally in the studios of the leading |
water color painters abroad In this |
years offering there are some very choice |
and unusual things. One might wish to |
see more examples of the leading Ameri- |
cans for we have some great water color |
painters here, but the Pettes collection is |
collection of foreign pictures and a |
good one. The most exacting visitor |
will find some rare old English gems, as |
well as modern English work. in the most |
artistic and advanced methods known. 1t |
Is not a little surprising to see the SPLEEN
did progress these Englishmen are max |
ing. AGectionately devoted to their pic
turesque coasts. dreamy pastoral scenes.
and matched cottages, they have appar-
emily broken away from old, convention
al methods and paint with all the force
of the Dutchmen, but retain, however,
this force. certain quail
ties of color which are English alone.
Thus one accounts for an individual at
tractiveness, which makes the English |
picture always comprehensive and dear
IN he layInan.