~ Watercolour of S.Y. Sheelah & S.Y. Varta, Coves Roads c1923 by Colin Baxter ~
The watercolor painting depicts two steam yachts, Sheelah and Varta, anchored at Coves Roads, a sheltered area known for mooring ships. Painted around 1923, this artwork captures a serene maritime scene from the early 20th century.
S.Y. Sheelah and S.Y. Varta are shown anchored close together on calm waters. Both yachts are steam-powered, a common propulsion method for luxury yachts of that era.
The hulls of the yachts are painted in dark colors, with elegant, sleek designs typical of private steam yachts, symbolizing the wealth and status of their owners.
The yachts have multiple decks, with the main decks housing passenger accommodations and possibly areas for dining and leisure. The upper decks feature masts and funnels, indicating the presence of steam engines below.
The painting is set in Coves Roads, a well-known anchorage spot, likely in a sheltered coastal area. The calm water reflects the yachts and adds to the tranquil atmosphere of the scene.
The background may include faint outlines of land or coastal features, though the focus is primarily on the yachts themselves.
Colin Baxter’s watercolor technique gives the painting a soft, gentle feel, with delicate brushwork and a harmonious color palette.
The colors are subtle, with the blues and grays of the water and sky blending smoothly. The dark tones of the yachts contrast with the lighter surroundings, drawing attention to their elegant forms.
The details are finely rendered, but there is an overall impression of tranquility and stillness, characteristic of maritime scenes captured in watercolor.
The painting reflects the era’s interest in luxury yachting, which was popular among wealthy individuals during the early 20th century. Steam yachts like Sheelah and Varta were symbols of affluence and were often used for leisurely cruises along the coastlines and across the seas.
The year 1923 places this painting in the post-World War I period, a time when many sought peace and relaxation after the turmoil of the war. The calmness of the scene may reflect a desire for stability and serenity during that time.
Colin Baxter was known for his maritime scenes and his ability to capture the subtleties of water, sky, and ships. His work often evokes a sense of nostalgia for the elegance and tranquility of early 20th-century seafaring life.
His attention to detail and use of watercolor techniques make his maritime paintings sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of naval and yachting history.
This watercolor by Colin Baxter offers a serene glimpse into the world of luxury yachting in the early 1920s, beautifully capturing the elegance of the steam yachts and the calm waters of Coves Roads.