I am back from my cruise to New England and north to Halifax.  It was eventful in that we had to dodge Hurricane Michael on our trip from Halifax to New York with swells of over four feet.  The ship was very large so we didn’t feel it too much other than the one evening when everyone walking down the hallways looked like drunken sailors.  I got lots of reference photos for future paintings, but didn’t get to tour any art galleries as we were on bus excursions that didn’t allow extra time to wander.  I did get talked into doing a quick watercolor study while on the boat.  It was during a down time: people were sitting around having coffee, walking to shops or the casino and they had eight easels set up in the main atrium and anyone could come up and paint.  I had some photos on my phone so attempted a quick 15 minute rendition.  You have to remember that the quality of the available materials was pretty simple— cheap brushes and paper that absorbed water like construction paper.  I did complete the painting, and after sitting down and finishing my coffee with my traveling companions, people kept walking by and admiring it.  One lady said she would even buy it.  Of course, I didn’t sell it, but it made me feel pretty good.  Carmen Stineman