Exhibitions

Unusual, playful, unpredictable …while the word whimsical first described those who tend toward whimsy (quaint or unexpected), it now commonly describes things that are strange in a fanciful or amusing way. This month, the artists of Gallery One are allowing free rein to their whimsicality.

Eileen Olson sums it up perfectly in her inspiration for her whimsical acrylic painting, “Cat and Mouse,” I approached this painting with a lighthearted, joyful spirit, hoping to let that feeling linger on the canvas. At its heart, a cat sits quietly with its back to us, while a mischievous little mouse hides somewhere within the scene — a playful nod to a ‘Where’s Waldo’ moment. Warm tones of cadmium red wash through the piece, infusing it with a anchors the composition, offering a subtle sense ofplace amid the whimsy and since clearly nothing says “whimsy” like a mouse around the house, artist Laura Hickman experienced her whimsical moment on a recent walk in Frederick, Maryland where she came across the friendly white house mouse depicted in he pastel painting of the same name, “House Mouse.”

Artist Cindy Beyer’s acrylic painting, All Coiffed Up was inspired by a trip to the beach gone whimsical. “These funny little Sandwich terns in the breeding season have a spiky black plumage.  I thought I’d exaggerate their plumes like they just came out of Flossy’s Beauty Shoppe where they had an updo for 2 bills ($2).” Speaking of the beach, the boardwalk and it’s amusements are never short on whimsy. Artist Lesley McCaskill reminds us of this fact in her acrylic painting, “Off to the Races at Funland.” “The horse race at Funland on Rehoboth Boardwalk is an experience for all ages. Anyone can play and feel the thrill of competition, while enjoying the whimsical “ponies” as they “race” to the finish line.” Whimsy can also be captured in one’s approach. For artist Dale Sheldon in her acrylic painting, “Eight Fish and An Oyster,” “Playing with funky colors for these fish was my bit of whimsical fun. Slices of lemon and one oyster complete this colorful imaginary platter!” A feast for the eyes and the spirit!

We hope you’ll indulge a whim and stop in for an unexpected delight at Gallery One