Gallery One is pleased to announce its July theme: "Bathing Beauties" open to the public June 26-July 30, 2019.

The title of Gallery One’s show this month reflects the season that is finally upon us in ways both literal and metaphorical. To bathe is to immerse oneself, usually in water, but as this month’s paintings illustrate that can also apply to immersing oneself in sun or fun. And enjoying the ritual of summer bathing isn’t limited to people. Something about soaking up the sun always makes us feel more beautiful - the way the warm summer light illuminates and bathes in its warm glow makes any subject more beautiful artistically. All of these elements shine in W. Scott Broadfoot’s oil painting, "Talbot Street Pier," which includes everything that embodies summer with a traditional bathing beauty front and center. Painted in Scott’s classical style this month’s theme allows his illustrative skill to shine.

In Dale Sheldon’s acrylic painting, "Sunny Day," an elegant heron is beautifully bathed in sunlight while waves gently lap against the shore. The sunlight creates reflections and shadows in the surf, a nice counterpoint to the calm blue water and warm yellows of the sand and golden reflections.

Lesley McCaskill’s acrylic painting, "Low Tide," captures the quintessential beach day for visitors and locals alike. The afternoon sun bouncing off the waves and reflected in the tidal pools created; as adults and children alike revel in the water or just enjoy the view and the salt air. In Lesley’s painting ou can almost feel the moisture on your skin and see the haze over the sea. As Lesley describes her scene, "It is at the water’s edge where people gather to enjoy friendships, keep an eye on the kids, while enjoying the refreshing water. For me as an artist, the added bonus is the variety of the human forms, body language and colors reflecting in the water."

Artist Laura Hickman’s pastel and gouache painting, "Hot Summer Day," recalls a beach of bygone days with charm and simplicity. These are bathing beauties, including Laura’s mother as a child and her grandmother, enjoying a family outing to Indian River during a hot summer day circa 1930.

In "Ladies and the Sea," artist Michelle Marshall’s acrylic painting done in vibrant, sun drenched hues, three ladies sit by the sea enjoying each other and the contemplative allure of the ocean.

Artist Mary Bode Byrd’s acrylic painting, "Birdhouses at 123 and Ocean," playfully and colorfully recalls her walk to the beach on family vacations in which the neighborhood families filled the posts along the walk to the water with bright and whimsical birdhouses. The sun shining and the air filled with the sound and sight of summer birds.

Eileen Olson’s painting illustrates that it isn’t just the two legged beauties that enjoy a day at the beach. In "Beach Buddies," artist Eileen Olson’s watercolor painting of two furry buddies enjoying a day on the boardwalk soaking up the cool, windy ocean air and sun. Eileen says, "After they are done greeting every passing person, they can’t wait to visit the local pet store in town for a special treat. They usually sleep the rest of the afternoon after their fun and happy beach day. I couldn’t think of a better day myself."

Gallery One is open 7 days a week, 10-5. The Gallery is always staffed by an artist.