Holding its own as a masterful work of American Impressionism, this canvas by traditional maritime artist Gordon Grant is a lovely diversion from his broader output of naval ships and square riggers. Obviously using the superb catalog of American Impressionist Edward Potthast as a primary source of inspiration and technique, Grant captures life at the beach for several generations of American women in his colorful, joyful painting.
This snippet in time shows a wonderful array of early 20th Century beach fashions, from the child digging in play and the elders with their wide brimmed hats, balanced on the central figure in her bathing suit and red cap. Grant's choice of presenting the figures facing away from him is also an echo of many of Potthast's most renown beach scenes, as if they wouldn't bother to notice an adult male in their midst, with palette and brushes. Everyone's attention beyond our bathing beauty seems to be riveted toward the brilliant blue waterway, where white yacht sails are headed toward this coast. Are they a match race between club yachts, or is it perhaps in anticipation a stop to take on pleasure cruisers? All seem possible and unimportant to the overall day's enjoyment.
This painting by Gordon Grant is in our opinion among the very best by this prolific and skilled artist of historic and illustrated American history. Striking coloration, impressionist interpretation with heavy impasto, and a blend of highly desirable subjects all combine into a single winning effort that rivals the best of his contemporaries, Potthast among them.
