Rejoice!

While he is widely recognized for his poignant, well-researched military aviation paintings, William S. Phillips also has a feel for life closer to the ground. Through a growing series entitled, 'Phillips Bay,' the artist offers images of a small coastal town throughout the seasons.

In this particular 'Phillips Bay' painting, we are given a peek of the town's Fourth of July celebration. A group of swans float serenely on the bay before clusters of warmly glowing homes while bright fireworks illuminate the sky above. 'Rejoice' gives you a sense of warm summer nights, quiet celebration, and a pleasant calm.

This gorgeous canvas sports an added nuance of interest. Painted in late December of 1999, the artist signed 'William S. 1999' seconds before midnight of the 31st. In the early moments of the new millenium, then signed 'Phillips 2000.'