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Interesting Work In Rowell Show AN exhibition of large and small canvases by John Rowell, of Melbourne, will open today at. the Moretso Galleries. Mr. Rowell paints his land- scape in the traditional veln Be can be vigorous or retrained US occasion demands, and shows a number of fine pic- tures among the 26 oils. He strikes his tones with very little overpainting, thus achieving freshness and spontaneity. The painter still clings to favourite trees, and, into the light effects, but there is a distinct change in his Queens- land works. Teh "O'Reilly Country" Is, I believe, one of the best pictures in the show. It interprets the colour and rugged grandeur of our McPherson Range with conviction and strength. Tech- nically it is a simple, direct, and loosely handled work. Another telling and vigorous sketch from the same locality is "Across the Gorge." It is rich in colour. and depicts a great mass of mountain in shade, opposed by brilliant foreground and distance. There is lyric quality in "Wickham Terrace," with beau- tiful light and subtle, wells ccntrolled greys, both atmos- plwric and warm. The little "Frosty Morning" has very pleasant charm, being clear, fresh and sparkling, with cool light. "Sand Urchins" also registers well. The moving figures are happily suggested against the sand bank. The "River Valley" makes an interesting composition, and atmospheric, too; but there appears to be a hat shness and ugliness in the painting of the ridges toward the foreground. Further simplification seemed necessary. A vast expanse of mountain country under a threatening sky has been seen in -rile Ranges." but it appealed in narts only. Vastly different is the "Burnett River," just a little one, but very satisfying with its beautiful colour and light Amongst other interesting works are "Palm -fringed Shore," "In the Cutting," and "Silvery Morning." - JAMES WIENEKE. [Charm And Powerl In Fine Pictures WHETHER or not you know anything about water colour painting, try to visit the Robert Campbell exhibition, opening today at the Moreton Galleries. It is one of the best "one-man shows" we have had for some time. 14R. CAMPBELL is a distin- guished artist and the Dir- ector of the Queensland Nat- ional Art Gallery. He reveals his sound control of the trans- parent medium, and is unhesi- tating in the handling of this difficult mistress. lie is also able to see the landscape and simplify it, And he understands and loves nature. Thus equipped, his interpretations become singu- This one .18 painted with tar impressions of sensitive economy anti conviction. colour, atmosphere and move- ment, produced with spontan- eity, clarity of tint and sure- ness of drawing, This brush play is absorbing and the Glasshouse Mountains is a fine impression of the pecu- liarly decorative range, and is accentuated by the brilliant sky and rich pattern of cloud vision sincere. shadow. " Mountain and Rain Impressed by the simple dig- nity of mass, and thoroughly revelling In light and the skies. Mr. Campbell pulls off many fine pictures of both (charm and power. ART CRITICISM One of the most powerful is Landscape With Stormy Sky". How well and with what superb vigour has he caught that dra- matic movement in nature when the silent grandeur ap- pears quietly braced before the ominous thunder! THE rain Is really falling A across the blotted horizon on to wet and turbulent sea in " Stormy Day, Woody Point." Shower " is also very success- ful. The delicate and charming " Frosty Morning. Launces- ton," with its elusive and beautiful sky, makes an in- teresting comparison with other examples of the artist's work. Do not overlook " Rain Ap- proaching Toodyay." It is a grand little watercolour of simple beauty. rare solidity and breadth of vision. Two lovely, though again en - I. Eri"l'Elt T 0 EDITOR tirely different. little gems are Low Tide at Evening" and ...Coast Scene. Woody Point."- JAMES WIENEKE. I read ,"Brisbane Telegraph' 29 3 501 with considerable amusement James Wieneke's criticism of the current art show at the Msreton Galleries. What a difference when Mr.I 'Campbell exhibits! It would' appear that the bigger the name in art the higher the praise. I have seen this show and. speaking quite fairly, it is nut without merit. However, the. similarity of the artist's tech -1 nirme is clearly evident in each of his pictures and, to quote. Whistler. "the perfection of, technique is the end of art. Mr. Campbell may be a good painter, but surely not above cri Mrs. D. M. WOOD., I would indeed be very happy) Ito explain further the various reasons for my recent review; of Mr. Robert Campbell's ex-, hiu;tion of pictures at the. Moreton Galleries. if I thought for only one half min %s they could possibly benefit Mrs. D.' M. Wood. but from the con- spicuously suspicious tone of her letter, I have the era vest, doubts. It is true to say that if a person cannot. recognise good painting then the chance of getting anything from it is re- mote. In any ease I dd not lament Mrs. Wood's inability to appreciate the work Of this painter. and regret she was ap-' parently not able to find anv- thing of my own very con- siderable enjoyment and worth- while pleasure. One way I know of which could conquer such predicament. would be to try the following advice. and I gladly offer same. Talk courteously but honestly about pictures. with people who can supply some intellisent as- i sistance. and hesitate to force an opinion unless one has the necessary knowledge. Visit as ninny good shows as possible though approach them in the fairest frame of mind. Then Purchase the best books avail- able on the Interpretation. practice and development of water colours. In nine cases out of ten the results are often very satisfac- tory .though it is impossible to tell with the tenth.-JAMES WIENEKE