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Show ENCOURAGEMENT ?? of Home Industry is a part of our creed. This is a manifest fact; but, because it is so well understood, so universally believed, the saying has become almost trite. We are forcibly reminded of this, by calling at the establishment of Brother Reuben Kirkham in Logan. Hanging yet on the ways of his gallery are the two magnificent paintings, "Sunset" and "Moonlight," in Blacksmith Fork canyon. These pictures ought not to have remained in the possession or the artist for so long a time; but from some cause it seems that the wealthy citizens of Logan do not care to become the possessors of such works of art. About the time of the last Territorial Fair in Salt Lake, we published an item relating to the paintings, and referring at some length to their merits. We quote from the criticism made at that time: As a portrayal of contrast the pictures are perfect. The first painting represents, as its name implies, a sunset scene. It is a blaze of glory. The sky is perfect for inciting rose and violet. The grand mountains, with their brilliant verdure dress, are beautiful in many tints. The river which winds its way over rocks dances along, sparkling and flashing. Even while one is looking, the countless hues teem to shift themselves and present a thousand different views. But "Moonlight," though possessing less of brilliant glory, is even more perfect in the grandeur of gloom. The mountains are sombre; the trees, shrubs and grasses, seem unmoved by even a breath of air, and the river coursing along, under black, overhanging rocks appears cold, dark and deep. The moonlight touches all with beauty, but yet does not shed unnatural brightness over the scene. It would be a source of satisfaction to not only the artist but to those who strive to appreciate his works if these paintings might be purchased by some one of our residents. The price named for them is merely nominal; and because the artist really deserves and needs encouragement, and because these beautiful creatures of his fancy and works of his hand are truly artistic, we would like to see them in the possession of a citizen of Logan. |