I’ve had the flu for 3 days now and that doesn’t make for good painting time, but I tried to get a head start on my 30 Paintings in 30 Days, so even though I’m not finished with this painting, I’m going to post it for day 1.
This will be my second painting in my “Old World” series. Dorothy (Dorottya) is my husband’s great grandmother. Her story is pretty incredible. She is from Czechoslovakia. In 1907 when she was 18 years old she married, and they had a child, and then her husband emigrated to America hoping to be able to afford to send for her shortly. But it was 11 years before she was able to see him again. I can’t imagine. I admire our ancestors who worked so hard and sacrificed so much to have a better life for their posterity.
I have looked at pictures of Dorothy in her “Old World” traditional dress, and I am astounded at the artistic beauty of the embroidery that she must have spent many, many hours creating. Dorothy was so beautiful, and that is without make-up of any kind. The photos are all black and white, and my goal is to try and bring out the color and give life to the clothing that were incredible masterpieces of handy work…
Dorothy…second to the left with her husband’s family.
Dorothy and her daughter and nephew. Yes, that is a little boy standing on the chair. 🙂
Simply Painting 
I JUST NOW got your update, I was looking all over your blog and was coming “knocking” to say “Oi, girl, where are ya”? We all gotta pull each other up and keep each other afloat you know! And Im glad you are in our tribe 🙂 this is a lovely painting and Im so sorry you have had the flu. I enjoyed the other “Old World” painting and looking forward to the rest! Get lots of rest too Karin, You will need it for the interview tomorrow (haha). Sending virtual hugs and chicken soup 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Cindy… Love the chicken soup and the hugs and all the encouragement!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, this is fabulous, Karin. It’s a wonderful idea for you to paint these old pictures. It will keep these people “alive” in the minds of their descendants. So sorry you have been sick. It’s everywhere. My husband has been down since before Christmas. Take care of yourself and best wishes for a speedy recovery. I want to see more of your lovely paintings.
LikeLike
I’m so sorry your husband has been sick so long. My husband started getting sick last Saturday and is still not feeling well…I hope I can pull out of this faster than the two of them.
One thing nice about it is, I’m going to get to sit here on my computer and look at all the art work coming in today. What a treat!!!
LikeLike
Such a beautiful lady! Thanks for sharing her story. I hope you are better soon. Happy New Year!!
LikeLike
Thanks Alicia… all of a sudden I had a flash of inspiration thinking about your grandma trick roping. Would be fun to do a painting of that… maybe you can take a picture of a photo and send it to me. Not really “old world”, but definitely traditional.
LikeLike
That would be awesome! I’ll find some pics and send to you soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So lovely. The face especially. What a cool way to preserve your history! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Melissa. It really is a wonderful way to preserve history, also to give a loving gift to my mother-in-law who is an artist herself. I hope she will like it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful! I love those old clothes, it is so amazing to think that it is all hand done. That is a true art! What a story, such dedication! We are all sick here too. I thought I was going to sneak by. Mom has pneumonia, I only have it in my throat, and Pete has a cold. So we are all gargling and dong Airborne, and kicking back. Get some rest, and I hope you both feel better soon 🙂
LikeLike
So sorry to hear that. Hope you all feel better real soon, too, especially your mom with the pneumonia.
LikeLike
Love the painting and the story. Feel better 🙂
LikeLike
There is something really, really special about this one, Mom. I love it. And the history behind it. And I think a painting of Grandma Ward would be AMAZING!!!! And…reading the comments makes me want to disinfect my keyboard! What’s with everyone being sick?!?!
LikeLike
I know! It sounds like everyone has it or knows someone who does.
LikeLike
Love this story and your painting is looking amazing ! Sorry to hear you were sick 😦
LikeLike
Thank you, Thelma. I’m a lot better now. 🙂
LikeLike
Just got your post and really love your painting of Dorottya Unfinished. Your photographs look very much like ones in our own family ancestors from Italy. Your painting is beautiful. The story is also lovely to read, thank you for sharing it. -Karen
LikeLiked by 1 person