September was an eventful month, one I’ll always remember.
As a plein air artist, I find endless inspiration outdoors—whether it’s the rhythm of daily life, the charm of ordinary objects, or the beauty of living things. My paintings are my way of giving perspective, weaving connections, and honoring what I see. So when the opportunity came to join the Painters Cruise 2025 (September 12–19, 2025), I knew it would be something special. It was more than just a trip—it was a week of creativity, friendship, and deepened appreciation for nature.
Life on Board
We sailed aboard the Amadeus Nova, a ship that quickly became our floating studio.
Each of us had a name badge with a color-coded band that matched our embroidered Painters Cruise souvenir hats—a simple touch that made it easy to feel part of something bigger.
Meals were communal and lively. In the dining room, each group had tables marked with our leader’s name and artwork (the same painting printed on our badges). These little details created an instant sense of belonging.
Evenings brought post-dinner round-table discussions with our leaders—Keiko Tanabe, Daniel Marshall, Randy Hale, Ron Stocke, Brienne Brown, Grahame Booth—who shared insights not just about painting, but about seeing the world through an artist’s eye.
Painting Along the Journey
Our itinerary was as inspiring as the workshops themselves:
- Budapest, Hungary – From lively squares to iconic landmarks, sketching here felt like capturing history in motion.
- Bratislava, Slovakia – Clock towers and cafés became the starting points for quick pencil marks that later bloomed into watercolor.
- Vienna, Austria – From sketching outside the Albertina Museum to painting cobblestone streets in the rain, Vienna gave us light, color, and history all at once.
- Dürnstein–Emmersdorf, Linz, and Salzburg, Austria – Each stop offered new textures, from riverside towns to grand cityscapes.
- Passau, Germany – A fitting end, with scenes that seemed made for watercolor.
Painting with Keiko Tanabe in Hungary and Slovenia was a highlight for me.
Her guidance encouraged us to embrace spontaneity—letting the brush follow life as it unfolded in the moment.
In Vienna, Austria, we sketched outside the Albertina Museum and captured the city’s architecture in watercolor—a day when light, color, and history came together on paper.
Additional photos in Passau:
The week closed with a Thursday evening display of everyone’s paintings, sketches, and journals. Walking through that room was humbling—the sheer amount of passion and creativity was inspiring.
Looking back, this cruise was more than a workshop or a sightseeing trip. It was a reminder of why I paint: to connect, to observe, and to celebrate the world around me. I’m grateful for the friendships built along the way, the insights shared by our leaders, and the memories that will stay with me long after the voyage.
Beyond the Canvas
After the cruise ended and goodbyes were said, I met up with friends in Munich to celebrate Oktoberfest together. They weren’t part of the painters’ group, so it was a fun change of pace after a week filled with painting sessions.
I even managed to capture a few videos—some of the boat gliding along the river, and others from the festival itself.
What an unforgettable journey this was—and what a true privilege it has been to share it with such inspiring and extraordinary people.
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