Oceania Marina passengers painted made art onboard for a group show at the end of the cruise.
When I signed on to teach art to Oceania cruisers, I really didn't know what to expect. I had taught college studio art, but this would be a mixed bag of people at all sorts of levels, who might come for one session or all of them.
There was no need for any concern. A half-hour before the first class, the place was full of men and women from all sorts of ages and backgrounds. As we worked, I was moved and astonished by how varied they were: people who had never tried art since they were children, people who were very accomplished artists, and everyone in between. On this cruise they were willing to try one-minute life drawings, gold-leafed icons and illuminated manuscripts, free colored landscapes, relief prints – anything put into their hands, they explored. Our designated class time wasn't enough; they wanted open sessions to go further, and they asked for help in making lists of supplies and ordering them online to be waiting at home. The students discussed and encouraged one another, and gave up safe, practiced techniques. They also turned out a remarkable body of work by the end of the cruise for the group show.
It was a renewing trip for me: I caught their spirit of adventure and came home to add new techniques to my own repertoire. I still receive emails from some of passengers in the class, who share their latest works with me, and it is a breath of fresh air.
Guest blog written by cruise editor Marilyn Green