American artist James Toogood has had plenty of formal training -- something that is blindingly obvious from the 20 paintings on show at this one man exhibition.

He also has a very good reputation, having exhibited all over America. His work has appeared in several publications, he is represented in both private and public collections and he's picked up a string of awards. All promising stuff you might think.

However, my heart sank when I received the promotional blurb for the show. The two examples that are reproduced are Johns Smith's Bay and a stretch of craggy coastline on South Shore.

Fortunately these aren't typical examples of Mr. Toogood's work. As a visitor he manages not to fall into the trap of painting the usual picturesque scenes of pretty little harbours, palm trees and crashing surf.

Instead we are treated to urban scenes and dusty back lanes. Mr. Toogood also seems to have an enthusiasm for painting vehicles, with motorbikes, cars and trucks littering his paintings.

Okay, there is a handful of beach scenes, but even some of these are depicted at night, making them a little different.

From a technical standpoint one can only admire Mr. Toogood's expertise. He paints with great skill in a style that is almost photographic in its realism.

`Goslings' is a good example, as is `Front Street'. Both paintings are meticulous in their detail and capture the heat and grime of a town centre on a blistering afternoon.

`John Smiths Bay' is another picture that makes you stand back and think "Wow''. The shimmering sunlight on the surface of the water is so lifelike you feel almost like diving into the picture.

This should have all the ingredients for being a super show. The fact that Mr.

Toogood has talent by the bucketload, coupled with his knack of depicting unusual subject matter, means that we should be in for a treat.

And yet... I don't know. There is something disappointing about what's on offer.

Everything is just too controlled, too contrived. The more I looked the more I thought how some of the urban scenes reminded me of an artist's impression of a 1960's shopping mall. For all the technical merit there's something too clinical about the work.

I'd say that it's very, very easy to admire Toogood's paintings -- but it's a damn sight harder falling in love with them.

The exhibition runs until June 30.

Gareth Finighan MOONLIT VIEW -- James Toogood's `Moonrise, John Smith's Bay', is one of 20 original watercolours by the talented US watercolourist now on show at the Windjammer Gallery. Toogood has been a regular caller to the Island and is inspired by Bermuda's urban and rural landscapes.