Rosemary Cumming

Rosemary’s Lockdown Story

‘As I am part of Rea Stavropoulous’ water colour class, which has been held at Burgh House for some years, I only use water colour paints, or occasionally a pencil to sketch with.

During lockdown, Rea emails us weekly, on a Thursday, with her ideas of what and how we should paint, sending us pictures of examples of various well-known artists, as well as her own work to encourage us.

I like the thought of painting while others in class are doing so too, we send her our photos of the subject, sketches and finish works, and on Sunday she shows all of us each other’s results, with her comments and thoughts. It is all immensely helpful to learn from each other, we can ask for help during the afternoon class if we are stuck and it is encouraging to see changes in our own and each other’s work.

These classes,have become a highlight of my week. Painting again, after a long break, makes me more observant, noticing colours, shapes, and shadows everywhere.

Firstly I feel grateful for what I have, a good husband, happy, healthy children with families, comfortable home, pretty small garden, and many friends who keep in touch. We know people who have suffered from this pandemic but know no-one who was badly affected.

During the past month or so I injured an ankle, hurt my back and had a tummy-bug, so moving around, being as independent as I wish, traveling to see loved-ones has not been possible. All this made me feel low for a time, but I tried to count my blessings and be more patient. As I have recovered, so have my spirits.

At the beginning of June our 2nd granddaughter was born, but we couldn’t visit or see her until she was a month old and have not seen her since…photos, videos and conversations have helped enormously.

I don’t think any of this has seriously impacted on me, it helps that I am part of a friendly and outgoing church congregation, we have much contact and support each other.

My creative project has entertained and challenged me, kept me alert to my surroundings, made me
appreciate my home and garden and I enjoyed mentioning objects given to me by loved ones, that I have chosen to paint. It has re-kindled a love and interest in art, artists and art books. It has boosted my morale, friends and family ask about my weekly classes, whether I felt I have succeeded or found it very difficult.

Generally it has stimulated me, and given me something to look forward to weekly. I really appreciate the time and effort that Rea has put into this class, her knowledge,
ideas and encouragement has had a very good effect on all of us, I suspect.

Usually I am out and about a great deal and spend little time at home, except to recover at the end of a busy day, or as a place to entertain friends and have time together. Spending all day, every day, except for our daily hour of exercise, was strange to begin with, but I
have come to enjoy and appreciate what I have, and just being at home with my husband for company, also seeing a daughter with our shopping for 7 weeks has been a boon. I have taken up sewing and knitting again, made a couple of things for the new baby, altered and repaired some of my own things.

I have spent time on the computer looking at art works, exhibitions, and shared ideas with friends. We also have subscribed being part of an famous International orchestra in order to view past and present concerts.’

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