Who knew that a simple 12-pan watercolor set could be a ticket to adventure, learning, and self-discovery on the high seas? In a moment of shared bravado, my wife Frances and I decided to embark on an artistic journey alongside our literal one. We purchased a 12 pan Cotman watercolor set, brushes, pencils, and paper, determined to have painting lessons every sea day during our round-the-world cruise.

As we packed our new art supplies, a mix of excitement and trepidation filled us. Neither of us had any artistic practical experience, but we were eager to learn together. Before even setting foot onboard, we found ourselves thinking what to paint. Should we attempt landscapes of the ports we’d visit? Seascapes from the ship? Abstract interpretations of our experiences? The possibilities were as vast as the oceans we were about to cross. We set an ambitious goal: to create a painting for every port we visited – 35 in total. It seemed daunting, but we reasoned it would add structure to our sea days and provide a unique way to document our travels.

Our lack of artistic confidence was evident, but we held onto the hope that by the end of our journey, we’d have not only a collection of paintings but also a newfound skill and perhaps a boost in self-esteem. After all, as the saying goes, “You have to start somewhere.”

BENEFITS WE EXPECTED

As we embarked on this artistic adventure, we anticipated several benefits:

1. Creativity and self-expression: We looked forward to having a new outlet for our creativity. The idea of communicating our experiences visually, beyond just photographs, was exciting.

2. Stress relief and mindfulness: We hoped that painting would provide a calming, meditative activity during our long days at sea. The thought of losing ourselves in the process of creating art was appealing.

3. Cognitive stimulation: We’d read that painting could improve memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. As we aged, the idea of engaging in an activity that exercised our brains was particularly attractive.

4. Improved motor skills: The prospect of enhancing our fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through painting seemed like a bonus benefit.

5. Shared experience: Perhaps most importantly, we saw this as an opportunity to learn and grow together, sharing in each other’s triumphs and challenges.

6. A unique travel record: We hoped our paintings, however amateur, would serve as a special memento of our journey, capturing not just images but emotions and experiences in a way photos couldn’t.

As we set sail, paintbrushes in hand, we were filled with anticipation. Would we discover hidden talents? Would we find painting frustrating or fulfilling? Only time – and 35 blank sheets of paper – would tell.