Baxendell’s 10-Year Retrospective Show and Reception July 14 & 15

Salero Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach is hosting throughout the summer a 10-year Retrospective Show of Julie Baxendell’s artwork. A special reception will be held on Friday, July 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and also Saturday, July 15, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. to meet the artist and sample the foods of the Mediterranean, the subject of some of Baxendell’s paintings.

Baxendell’s work has changed over the last decade. She’s doing more with atmospheric conditions, adding fog or storms, and painting night scenes. "I enjoy the challenge, and it adds more to the emotional response than just painting a scene in the middle of a sunny day."

Her interpretation of a subject has also changed. "I’ve gotten more selective," she says. "I used to paint every telephone pole and wire. Now I aim more for the impression of the scene."

Baxendell spent years painting with watercolor, dabbled a year in water-based oils, then spent the last several years exploring various techniques of drawing on canvas with conté crayon or pencil, then using acrylics. After a career in graphic design and illustration, the latest medium allows her to utilize her strength in drawing, and she is pleased with the variety of ways she can use the acrylics. "I can do so much more with them," she says.

"I’m excited to see what else I can discover, what more I can produce."

Besides the reception to meet the artist, when more of her artwork will be displayed in the restaurant, some of Baxendell’s work can be seen in their hallway throughout the summer from Tuesdays through Sundays. Salero, located on top of the Henlopen Hotel at 511 North Boardwalk, is open for happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with dinner service starting at 5 p.m. For more information, contact Baxendell at 684-1245 or Salero at 227-8630.