Pole Screen and Candlestand 1940

Rolland Livingstone created this watercolor, Pole Screen and Candlestand, with careful observation and a steady hand. The painting emerges softly, each line considered, and the colors muted yet warm. Looking at this, I imagine Livingstone, brush in hand, patiently building up the layers of color, capturing the intricate details of the wood grain and the subtle sheen of the metal. What might he have been thinking? Maybe reflecting on the craftsmanship of the original piece, or perhaps just enjoying the quiet act of translating a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional image. The wood is rendered in rich browns and reddish hues, with delicate variations that give it depth and texture. The thinness of the watercolor allows the paper to breathe through, creating a sense of airiness and light. It’s like artists through the ages—constantly looking, interpreting, and reimagining the world around them. Each brushstroke, each line, is a form of expression and a connection to something beyond the self. And in that connection, we find meaning, beauty, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be human.