Workshops

Beginners and advanced artists alike will find these workshops enlightening. A carefully designed progression of lessons at beautiful and interesting places will deal with issues specific to watercolor and the sights visited. Development of personal expression will be emphasized, while consideration is given to individual levels of proficiency.

On this cruise you will have the unique opportunity to focus completely on your art without distraction, while all your needs are taken care of in comfortable accommodations. You can concentrate for a whole week on developing and strengthening your skills in watercolor as you visit exciting and visually stimulating locals.

The workshops will correspond to the location and the weather encountered that day. There will be time for instruction as well as on-location plein-air painting. Bring your camera and lots of film to take reference photos for later paintings.

A typical day will begin at 9:30 with a workshop on board the ship, which will provide a focus for the day's painting. Shushana will demonstrate and/or discuss the techniques to be used for the work that day. At noon we'll break for lunch. Then you'll paint in the afternoon, generally on location, while what you have seen and learned is fresh in your mind. It's the fastest way to learn. By 3:30 or 4 p.m. we'll gather to share and critique the work that has been produced that day. It's a time at which much is learned by all. By 5:00, we should be finished and prepare to go for dinner. Of course, you may come and go as you wish, at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much experience is necessary to enjoy the workshop?

A: Many individuals with little or no experience often "blossom" when immersed in an artistic environment like this. Let me know ahead of time that you are a beginner and I'll do everything I can to make your experience enjoyable and worthwhile.

Q: As an experienced watercolor artist, will I be challenged enough to enjoy the workshop?

A: This workshop is being designed to meet the needs of all levels of experience. In such a stimulating environment everyone should benefit and make artistic discoveries.

Q: How do I know what materials to bring?

A: A complete list of materials for this workshop is listed on this website. Keep posted for any additions and updates. Before the cruise, all participants will be mailed a final list of these easily obtainable materials.

Q: What if I don't know anyone else taking the cruise and workshop?

A: Frequently most of the participants at an art workshop are new to the group. Meeting and making new artist friends is a part of the richness of the experience. Everyone connected with this cruise will be working hard to make sure you have wonderful time, artistically and socially.

Q: Can I bring my partner or a friend? What is there for them to do?

A: The Royal Caribbean is a major cruise line and the Navigator of the Seas, one of their largest ships. Just check out their facilities on this website. When not involved in one of the numerous activities offered, your friends and relatives may wish to 'drop in' and see how we are doing. We'll dine together every evening as well. A coctail party and small exhibition is being planned for the last day or so.

Q: I have special dietary needs. Can these be taken into account?

A: Of course, simply inform Charlie Wahlberg when you book your cruise and he'll make sure they will be attended to.

Q: Will I need to carry my materials to and from my room each day?

A: No, I have been assured that a special storage area will be provided in the studio or nearby for each participant to store their equipment.

Supply List

The following minimum list of supplies will be needed for the watercolor cruise workshop:

Watercolor Paints

• A minimum of 10 - 12 basic colors.

Watercolor Paper

• 140 lb. cold pressed, acid free paper, 9x12 inches or larger. May be purchased in a pad.

Watercolor Brushes

• 3/4 inch flat brush
• # 12 round brush
• # 4 round brush
• Fan brush

Either natural hair or synthetic is acceptable, but make sure that it is specifically for watercolor.

Other Items

• Watercolor palette with lid, e.g. John Pike. It should be made of plastic, be large enough to hold 12 or more colors and have a clear area for mixing.
• Box of tissues, roll of toilet paper or roll of paper towels (not all three)
• Art masking fluid or Friskit or Maskit
• Two good sized plastic containers for water, like old margarine tubs
• Q-tip type cotton swabs
• HB or 2B pencil
• White or Pink Pearl eraser
• 1 or 2 sponges, natural or synthetic
• Thin masonite, wood or cardboard support, at least two inches larger all around than the size of the paper you plan to use.
• 3/4 inch masking tape
• 35 millimeter camera and film

Optional Items

• Watercolor sketchbook, 8x10 inches or smaller
• Set of watercolor pencils, 8 - 12 colors
• Small watercolor paintbox for on location sketching
• Hair drye