The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-05-31
CORCORAN SCHOOL
GIVES EXHIBITION

y
Paintings of Real
Merit.
The exhibition OF the work of the
students of the Corccran School of Art,
closing as it docs The long series OF
special exhibitions which have occupied
the Hemicycle of the Corcoran- Gallery
OF Art, is none the less interesting be-
cause IL is wholly the work of students
In academic directions. 1t is OF deep
interest for the reason that from this
source much or the art OF this city in
coming years viii be derived. 1t is in
teresting because from the students of
the present classes it is possible that
some may separate themselves from the
traditions of the school room. and
having become well grounded IN the
fundamental principles of the art, upon
their entering upon a career. MAJ de-
velop an individuality IN their inter
rretation OF the message of art that
wiz give them a place among the
recognized masters. other artists of
note have lived within sight Ct the
come of the CAPITOL 1t is not expect
ing too much 10 hope that the tradi-
ions of the past will be repeated in
the lives of the students Of toby.
The exhibition which now adorns the
walls of the HemIcycle is one OF which
the art faculty may well be proud, and
the pride should extend 10 the whole
city as well. That the opportunities
equal ii not excel those OF any city Of
similar size, aad that the requirements
are purely Of merit, not of inheritance
for a favored fey. IS a condition which
shoGld appeal 10 ali All may not de-
sire an art education. but that an art
education is possible TO all is the req
son why those interested in The art
development Of the city should feel q
personal interest. and d personal pride
in the work Of this excellent art insti-
tuition.
While the visitor at the first glance
VIII observe that the number OF eN-
nlDltS is larger than ever before So
much larger that two immense screens
have been used 10 properly display all
OF the work selected as worthy OF OK
nibitton prominence, il also viii be no.
TCed TgJ the number OF exhibits has
not pe,u secured by lowering the stand
ara OF former years. Ia fact. 1t is .sug-
gasted by close study of the exhibit
ron and "A comparison, so lar as posi-
ole with that Of former years. that
tie standard has gradually been raised,
afd that the day when almost any ef-
fort of pupil could be given space
IN the annual school exhibition-if such
day ever existed-has passed and
gone fores er.
Competitive Drawings.
In arranging the exhibition the most
prominent space, that Of the curved
vail OF the Hemicvcle. has been al
lOtted 10 the competitive drawings
The number Of students who have en-
tered this comp etitiOn is larger than
ever before. and eighteen sets of draw
ings, each set consisting of two exam
pies of drawing from the cast, and two
from life have been submitted TEls
collection of drawings, lacking Ia in
terest, perhaps To some. Is an indica-
lion Of the faithful instruction Of tns
teachers having this branch under their
charge. The Importance In which this
elementary branch of art work IS held
Is illustrated by the fact that the
aW ards of value, and the highest
medals given by the school. are given
Tor excellence in drawing, and to- win
the gold medal is an honor which seems
20 carry with IL the promise that the
pupil has sufficient ability along art
lines TO achieve success in after years.
Competitions composed of drawings
are not of esoeCial interest To those
VINO are only remotely interested in
art. The drawings this year, while
greater In number than before have
also the quality of a greater degree OF
uniformity s. that there are no marked
degrees Of difference between the -VaTi-
Gus exhibits, and the awards have been
made upon that closer comparison ard
more technical differences than would
be noted by the casual observer.
In the exhibit Of the water color
classes. which occupied the recessed
SPACE on the fiat 7Tcll of the HemicyCle
one feels At distance the pleasing
decorative quality OF such mass IS of
color. Not color run riot but cOl)r an
piled 10 small and Oftentimes simple
studies, but as each study has its own
range Of harmony, the exhibit as a
lection Of color than one would sup
pose could be possible under such con-
ditiOns Of arrangement
Water Colors.
In the display Of water coIors there
Is noted a distinct departure from some
Of the features of this exhibition in for
mer years. The Instructor. Mr.. Moser.
while a believer in perfect freedom in
the use of this his favorite medium, and
with a tendency to esteem temperament,
atmosphere, and individuality in work.
Is, nevertheless, we'll versed in the clever
technique of the artist who knows his
craft so well that he can paint broad
" or closely, with the fingers CT the
fun sweep of the arm as required. In
this exhibition there are some examples
occupying prominent places which Gre
painted with all the certainty and ac-
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