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Adult Student Art Exh:oition An exhibition of paintings by senior students of Margaret McNeil is on show from today at the Albert Gallery, Albert House, Ann Street. This is an unusual little show because it consists of paintings in oil and watercolour by adult students who, for the most part, did not begin painting at a very early age but who are now making sincere efforts to say something in paint. Whether these students be- come names in the art world or not, they are making a valu- able contribution to their own education and achieving im- measurable enjoyment. The work illustrates what training can do, and, while im- mature, It Ls hard to detect anything outstanding. Careful thought has been given to colour and values, and land- scape and still life claim the students' attention. One of the principal difficul- ties involved in the beginning, when learning to paint at adult age is the fact that the student is so frequently very conscious of his lack of technical ability. Winston Churchill evidently suffered some such pangs dur- ing his early attempts, until he was advised-"use big brushes, and do not hesitate." Mr. Churchill did so and said he had great fun. However, it is true that a number of well, known artists did not commence painting until after the early years had vanished. Such information may be encouragihg to anyone who would take chance in one hand. a brush in the other-and try. At least he will know how. hard it is to paint a picture, and will appreciate the hard work and study behind the painting of good pictures. Several colourful masks have been included in the exhibition. They are the work of junior students obviously enjoying the adventure.-JAMES WIENEKE. Reconstriclion An Exhibition riniE Commonwealth Recon- struction Training Scheme are exhibition, the first of its kind in Brisbane. I believe, should be seen by everyone-as these young people are being trained by the Government to fit themselves for a career in Art, work which they them- selves have chosen to follow after their years of war service. The exhibition is largely figure and lands, - work in oil. watercolour u, ' with' a few pieces sc.. nay. shows the stu i' rt Co- ward the . -u through the ai i, ary art. It I cerity of pulp i, c t.'. both student ...a: No one expects titan er . success Will be ar'nlev,.! my by this excelle,', achy, ..; but it is more that ceu .n ole to believe that s) .rli pr !ming Initiative and de- ;re a expre4s: will bear unusu. .ly gum fruit. if nurtured wit) an inte:ligent tolerance, symp by and gen- eroatty. I ant sorry more working drawing and .udies have not arrived. The? are an all im- portant side of the painter's training, and wi .h the emphasis today on colours, there is a dan- gerous tendency among students (and surely we are all student,, for that matter) to minimise, the value of penetrating study and the difficult. unspectacular side of drawing. Unfortunately. jingling jargon and fashion often beckon with alluring fingers but in the long run have little better than worth- less seeds to sow, however well camouflaged. The show will open this after- noon at 4 pan. in National House (2nd. floor). Ann Street =JAMES WIENEKE.