The success of Chris Grimes’ exhibition, Reflections of the Past, is predictable.His subject is old Bermuda and this suits the taste of many Bermudians to a T.Even so, besides the popularity of his subject matter, Chris’s ability to convey the quality of old Bermuda in paint on canvas is also a factor in the success of this exhibition.When I asked Chris about how he got into art, he said that by training he was a techie.He attended the Bermuda Technical Institute and was initially attracted to the making of art after sitting for a portrait and seeing that paintings are built up, one brush stroke at a time.He thought: “I can do that.”Thereupon, he set out to purchase art supplies a small box of oil paints, a couple of brushes and some canvas boards to give it a go.When he began to paint, he found the sense of oil paint, its buttery quality, and the fact that it is flexible and changeable, suited him. Until now, this has been his medium of choice.He said that he has tried watercolours and acrylics, but found them less to his liking.I asked Chris if he was self-taught, but this he denied, saying that he had learned so much from many different people. I liked that response for if we artists are honest with ourselves, we all learn from others. Still, in learning to become an artist, we gain the most through the process of making art. Others may influence us and give us tips and tricks, but we have to apply whatever we have picked up. Theory is important but practice is paramount.Chris is known for paintings of old Bermuda. His paintings are loaded with nostalgia. It was some time after he began to paint, however, that he found his subject of choice. Someone offered him a collection of old Bermuda photographs and he was fascinated with how Bermuda used to be in the age before the automobile and over-development. I am old enough to remember going to town on the train or in a carriage, as well as sailing to New York on the Queen. So are many others and as for the younger ones, this quieter way of life may seem quaint, but may be attractive and certainly of interest. For those of us who did travel on the Queen of Bermuda, the subject brings back wonderful memories. She was a classy ship.The first time I ever reviewed a show by Chris I referred to his depictions of the men and women as stick figures. He has come quite a distance from the way he once drew the human form, although sometimes his figures still come across as rubbery. After I attended the recent opening of his show, I visited the opening of another landscape exhibition at the Ace Gallery devoted to old paintings, photographs and prints of St George’s.In that show are several watercolour landscapes by Edward James; notably his views of St George’s from Barrack Hill. In these pictures, James also included people and animals. I was impressed with the way he carefully rendered them. I bring this up for I suggest that Chris spend some time studying these pictures, especially the people therein.There are 31 paintings in the Chris Grimes exhibition at Windjammer II Gallery and although possibly half have already sold, there are real treasures still available.The show continues until next Thursday.