Page:Scottishartrevie01unse.djvu/180

Mr. Guthrie has achieved more freedom in the use of liis medium ; the painting is liere somewhat laboured, but for the lasting qualities which pro- claim an accomplished work of art, we prefer his 'Dr. Gardiner' to his more recent portraits. Mr. Guthrie's only other exhibit is ' To Pastures New,' No. 353, a picture painted some years ago, since which time lie has made great progress. Its striking unconventionality, subtle drawing of the flock of oeese, and beautiful scheme of colour are somewhat artistic qualities, it is somewhat unsympathetic, and a feeling of paintiness runs all through the canvas, though it is least ajoparent in the surroundings. In No. 1343, ' Pastoral,' a water-colour, we again find that unquestionable distinction which marks all Mr. Walton's best work. Very charming in its scheme of colour, the quality and proportion of the deep blue sky with ruddy cloud form a most happy harmony with the warm tones of the hillside. Mr. T. Millie Dow has received but scant justice marred, to our thinking, by the uncompromising ungainliness of the girl, and the hard insistence on the shadow under her hat, which forms a spot in the pictui-e. Of Mr. Walton's exhibits, five in number, that to which we wish particularly to refer is the very impressive ' Landscape,' No. 108. This great expanse of sky, hanging over the darkened land, has an expressive force which grows with increased familiarity. There are few finer pure landscapes in the rooms, and an admirable decora- tive quality, so rare hitherto in Scottish art, is here of permanent value. In Mr. Walton's portrait of a little girl in riding-habit we do not consider he has done himself justice. Possessing undoubted at the hands of the hangers. His ' Hudson River,' No. 173, is hopelessly skied, and its pearly grey tones are killed by the surrounding dark-coloured canvases. A similar fate has been meted out to Mr. G. F. Watts's delicate ' Island of Cos,' No. 185. Mr. Dow's dream of a distant river — for the fore- ground is not realised to the same extent — has qualities very different from those of Mr. Walton's landscapes, but if less striking they are quite as valuable. Its delicate observation of the subtlest tones of colour, enveloped in an atmosphere of keenest light, studied with loving care, give this picture an entirely etiiereal charm. It is full of imagination. In ' Roses,' No. 1229, we have one