Sappers

Watercolor Windowpane Collage
Elizabeth Roth, 2016

This collage is a watercolor painting of the British Army, 8th Company, during WWII in Cairo.  It pictures my father (hat-less) astride an Italian Jeep on a training maneuver to discover land mines.  This group of soldiers was comprised of British, New Zealanders, South Africans and United States Army personnel.  My father did not talk much about the war, but he once told me that he rather got on well with the New Zealanders and thought them a friendly bunch.  Where are these men now?  I do not know if they each made it home after the war.  My father did, after spending four years serving our country as a radio specialist on the front lines.  These men are strangers to me, but familiar just the same as I feel a kinship and gratitude to them for giving what they did to my freedom.  Especially I feel that my father, who I loved more than life itself, was brave and should be remembered as a hero.  He was my hero, anyway.

At the Loom

This morning I uploaded a painting that I completed this week.  I have a fascination with all things textile including weaving.  Though I do not (yet) own a loom or have the slightest knowledge about how to use one, I dream of learning.

I think part of me is hoping that my life is like a woven journey and that the key thread is God.  He has made me and he is aware of my particular design and pattern.  His love brings consistency and order to each pass of the shuttle.  I think we all are part of a huge weave that is brilliant in color and resilient in strength.  Each individual thread counts.

At least that's the way I view it, through the Cottage Door today.

River Music (from River People)

Wow!  I am super excited!  This week marks the beginning of a new venture in art.  I will begin with private lessons offered to two individuals this week, and then to a small group next week.  I have never yet felt confident enough or qualified in the least to teach others in the area of painting so I am telling myself I am simply "sharing" and that seems to calm my fears. The studio is prepared and I am working on some samples now.  I intend to see what kind of things the students ate most interested in, but I think that they'll have the most fun if they can let loose and let paint flow.  The painting above is from my River People series and it is inspired by a child on the river letting the wind and rain blow through her hair as her family steers the motorboat up the river.  Its something like my "students" and I will do next week, travel up new waters.  At least that's the way I see it, through the cottage door.  May God Bless each painting session.

Often I am drawn to scenes of people involved in everyday life and work.  So many humble individuals are gifted in their abilities and go along in their world, seemingly unrecognized for the important tasks they accomplish.  It seems glorious to record their work in beautiful tributes to their faithful service.  I particularly value the work of my elders, and their contribution to life.

Elder Gentleman, from River People

Someone's Watching

SOMEONE'S WATCHING

Someone's Watching is a watercolor painting posted underneath an old window and curtain fabric.  I liked the image and her pose so much that I decided to "frame" her in a different way.  She seems to be watching someone or something.  She has a slight smile on her lips.  We wonder what is on her mind.  Who is she expecting?  What will happen next?  She stands confidently hidden but not out of sight to the outside world.  I'd like to know more about her, wouldn't you?  It is interesting what we can learn through the cottage door, if we watch carefully...

New Wool, Old Spinster

I am fascinated by spinning, and though this lady is really not an "old spinster" she is an industrious woman in a country where wool is still spun at home and by hand, and in this case on a hand-held instrument. Her family's warmth entirely depends on her skill.  The most spinning I have done has been, so far, with words and watercolors rather than  with wool.

This watercolor was fun to do.  I just love painting real folks at work.

Serenity

Serenity

Slowly, tiptoeing, like a shy maiden, Spring approaches us here in the cold and windy north.  Bud coverings litter the ground and tiny leaves peek out along branches.  Flies begin to buzz on windowpanes, birds race around building nests and preparing for new births, and we all get the urge to visit the outdoors and take stock of new plant growth and longer days.  The white egret returns to stalk still waters, aware of the need for patience and waiting, traits I am in need of improving within myself.  Thank you, Egret, for this lesson in serenity, to be found in these warm spring days to come.  I watch you through the Cottage Door, and wish you all a wonderful April and May.

FYI:  I am in the process of registering adult watercolor classes for this summer.  Contact me at cottagedoor@buckeye-express.com if you are interested or have questions.